The “Stability, Smoke Management, and Fire Weather Forecasting” module examines the effects of atmospheric stability on fire behavior and the transport of smoke, as well as fire and smoke management operations. Topics covered include the impacts of the formation, persistence, and dissipation of inversions and how best to relate forecast information on these phases to customers. Calculation and application of the Haines Index is applied through the highly interactive Haines Game. In addition, the influence of stability on the transport and dispersion of fire related smoke is covered in the context of smoke management programs and the critical information provided by fire weather forecasters. This web module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.
At the end of this module you should be able to:
1. Describe various atmospheric stability profiles in terms of their potential influences on fire behavior
a. Characterize influences of stability on fire behavior
b. Describe impacts of inversion formation, persistence, weakening, and dissipation on fire behavior
c. Describe, interpret, and apply the Haines Index
d. Identify impacts of inversions on fire management operations
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the smoke management process and the forecaster's role in that process
a. Correctly identify statements describing the purposes for, and importance of smoke management
b. Identify consequences of accurate/inaccurate smoke management-related forecasts
c. Identify the factors that influence smoke-management decision-making
d. Calculate and interpret ventilation index values in support of smoke management operations
atmospheric stability, Haines index, smoke management, mixing height, fire weather, extreme fire behavior
May 2020 - The lesson was updated to current internet standards (mp4/html5), with no changes to content.
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