The National FCAMMS Experimental Predictions of Fire Weather and Smoke

The Fire Consortia for the Advanced Modeling of Meteorology and Smoke (FCAMMS), a collection of primarily U.S. Forest Service and university based regional modeling centers, have begun producing experimental predictions on a national grid. Daily model runs utilize the National Weather Service's 3-day 12-km NAM and 7-day 0.5-degree GFS weather predictions to create value added fire weather and smoke products. Ventilation rate, mixing height, and Haines index products are now available nationally, as are smoke predictions enabled through the BlueSky modeling framework. The development of this modeling system also allows management scenario prediction capabilities for incident command on an emergency basis, and can enhance the prototype Emergency Smoke Response System.