OK-FIRST Case Study: Weather Impacts on the Oklahoma Fire Danger Model

Weather Impacts on the
Oklahoma Fire Danger Model

Overview
The Oklahoma Fire Danger (OKFD) Model runs several times per day, and generates valuable output in the form of multiple fire danger indices. Like all models, it can best be used when its components and their limitations are understood.

Perhaps the best way to learn about the OKFD Model is to explore its response to specific weather events. This lab exercise focuses five specific events which revealed particular characteristics of the OKFD Model.

Objectives

To understand the components of the Oklahoma Fire Danger (OKFD) Model and the factors which contribute to their change.
To understand how mesoscale weather events can affect the fire danger rating across (parts of) the state.

Vocabulary

NDVI

Mesoscale

Exercise

Event Data:
Case I (2/25/1998, 2:00 p.m.)
Case II (8/2/1998, 11:00 a.m.)
Case III (4/8/1999, 10:00 a.m.)
Case IV (1/17/2000, 1:00 p.m.)
Case V (1/23/2000, 4:00 p.m.)

Reference Material

Fire Weather

Heat and Drought


OK-FIRST Project, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, 100 East Boyd Street, Suite 1210, Norman, OK 73019. Copyright © 1996-2004 Oklahoma Climatological Survey. All Rights Reserved. Send comments or questions concerning OK-FIRST to okfirst@mesonet.org