Modeling Dynamic Fuels with an Index System (MoD-FIS)

LANDFIRE initiated the Modeling Dynamic Fuel with an Index System (MoD-FIS) strategy to fulfill a need for “value-added” products in particular regions. MoD-FIS systematically adjusts the most recently released LANDFIRE 40 Scott & Burgan Fire Behavior Fuel Model (FBFM40) product, using indices, to better represent current fuel availability during drought or seasonable moisture conditions. While static annual LANDFIRE fuel maps are useful for predicting fire behavior during typical burning conditions, they represent an average fire season for one year (or the average fire season day in some areas) and can fall short representing seasonal changes or daily variability. Capturing the relationship between shifting fuel condition and increased fire spread potential in a dynamic fuel model can improve accuracy in fire behavior prediction systems.

MoD-FIS products address two special regional fuel situations (1) drought conditions in the Southeast and parts of the Northeast United States (U.S.) and (2) greater than normal abundance of annual herbaceous fuel loading in the Great Basin and Southwest U.S. With MoD-FIS, analysts can access current state data expressed as surface fuel availability in fuel models that mirror real-time to near real-time conditions on the ground.

Where available, LANDFIRE recommends using MoD-FIS data for fire behavior modeling in prescribed burn plans, wildfire potential outlooks, and during wildfires as this data reflects more current fuel conditions. For risk assessments, users should look to the Fire Behavior Fuel Model 40 annual product releases which characterize fuel condition averages for a fire season.