Chapter 5

Question 1

List five FBP System inputs

Answer 1

1) Weather
2) Fuel
3) Foliar moisture
4) Topography
5) Prediction type, duration

Question 2

List four primary FBP System outputs

Answer 2

1) Head fire ROS (m/min)
2) Head fire intensity (Kw/m)
3) Fuel consumption (kg/m2)
4) Fire type (surface, intermittent crowning, or crowning)

Question 3

List six secondary FBP System outputs

Answer 3

1) Flank and back fire rates of spread
2) Flank and back fire intensities
3) Spread distance (head, back, flank)
4) Length to breadth ratio
5) Elliptical fire area and perimeter
6) Rate of perimeter growth

Question 4

Explain how slope is handled in the FBP system

Answer 4

Effect of slope on rate of spread is captured by using a slope equivalent wind speed

Question 5

Explain the buildup effect and what it is used for

Answer 5

BE is a multiplier used to account for the effect of dryness of heavier fuels on ROS

Question 6

Explain the difference between a point and line ignition when completing an FBP System prediction

Answer 6

Point ignitions are effective when trying to understand the fire behavior from a single ignition point, and they are commonly used for studying ignitions caused by lightning strikes or isolated fire starts. Line ignitions, on the other hand, are more suitable for modeling fire spread along a linear front and are often used to evaluate the effectiveness of firebreaks or firefighting strategies.

Question 7

Explain how the Boreal Mixedwood fuel type M-1/M-2 was developed and the modifier that is required when making predictions for that fuel type

Answer 7

They are derived from C-2 and D-1 fuel type models, not considered a “real fuel load” because there is no empirical data.

Question 8

Explain how the FBP System calculates fire area and perimeter

Answer 8

Uses fire’s ignition point, weather conditions, fuel characteristics, and topography and fire behaviour ie ROS to determine area and perimeter