From Forecasts to Frontlines: How Fire Weather Products Influence Partner Decision Making Leading up to a Wildfire

As wildfires burn with increasing frequency, intensity, and size, there is a pressing need to evaluate our fire weather product suite. This presents a unique opportunity for social scientists and fire partners to be integrated into these discussions early on to shape the most effective path forward in fire weather information and communication. By centering user perspectives, this research seeks to make fire weather information more relevant and impactful. To accomplish this, focus groups were conducted with fire partners across all six NWS regions. Participants engaged with mock NWS fire weather products, discussing decision points, information needs, preferences for probabilistic weather data, and the potential nationwide adoption of Fire Warnings. These conversations revealed the complexities of wildfire decision-making, highlighting the diverse considerations and challenges fire partner's face during high fire danger days. The insights gleaned from these focus groups have the potential to transform our understanding of fire weather communication. By challenging existing assumptions and accepted norms, the study explores innovative strategies to support those on the front lines of wildfire management.