Fuel model

n. The set of fuelbed inputs needed by a fire model (Scott and Burgan 2005)

• Discussion

There are three types of fuel models used in the United States: 1) fire behavior fuel models used as input to fire behavior modeling systems that use Rothermel's surface fire spread model (1972), 2) fire danger fuel models used as input to the National Fire Danger Rating System, and 3) fuel loading models used as input to a model of fuel consumption.

• See Also

  • Fire behavior

  • Fire behavior fuel model

  • Fuelbed

  • Fuel consumption

  • Surface fire

   

• References

  • Rothermel, R.C. 1972. A mathematical model for predicting fire spread in wildland fuels. Res. Pap. INT-115. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 42 p.

  • Scott, J. H. and R. E. Burgan. 2005. Standard fire behavior fuel models: a comprehensive set for use with Rothermel’s surface fire spread model. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-153.Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 72 p.

   

• Notes

  • Author 

    Joe Scott, Research Forester

    Systems for Environmental Management

     

  • Last update 

    August 2007