Ignis
Background
Ignis is an ArcGIS Python tool that uses Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction System (CFFBPS) equations to spatially model surface fire intensity and rate of spread, maximum fuel loading thresholds, and other CFFPBS Primary Components (all system variables up to Eq. 69), for all CFFBPS Fuel Types.
Ignis - Surface Fuel Threshold Calculator (SFTC)
In addition to surface fire intensity and rate of spread, this tool models the maximum amount of post-harvest surface fuels (kg/m2 or Tonnes/ha) that can be left on the ground to produce either a desired surface fire intensity (e.g., 2,000kW/m, 4,000kW/m, etc.). Resulting models can be used to identify an average or range of fuel loading targets for different treatment areas, which is ideal for fuel treatment prescription and planning purposes. Once harvesting is completed, fuel loads can be measured directly via line intersect transects, or indirectly via photo plots. Fuel load measurements can then be compared against the model outputs to determine if and where additional fuel abatement is necessary.
Inputs (see image to left)
Elevation raster, Fuel Type, Weather station info (90th percentile metrics: Wind speed, wind direction, FFMC, BUI), some specific fuel type data if those types are selected (grass curing factor and fuel load, % conifer, % dead balsam fir), the desired fire intensity, and day of year. Ignis converts the elevation raster to slope and aspect internally, and includes an optional calculation of adjusted FFMC for open fuel types.
Optional inputs include: Polygon features to summarize results within, polygon or raster fuel type models, and WindNinja point models for wind speed and direction.
Optional outputs: The tool can generate a concise report in pdf format to summarize input parameters and modeling results.
Ignis - CFFBPS Calculator
Currently, this Python tool produces spatial models for all Primary Components of the CFFBP System. Outputs include: surface fire rate of spread (RSS), surface fire intensity (SFI), critical surface fire intensity (CSI), critical surface fire rate of spread (RSO), crown fire rate of spread (RSC), crown fire intensity (CFI), equilibrium head fire rate of spread (ROShf), and equilibrium head fire intensity (HFI). Model outputs can be used to assess the maximum intensity and spread rate (i.e., surface, crown, or total) that can be expected for an area. Further development will include spatial models of all Secondary Components of the CFFBPS, and models of fire spread.
Inputs
Same as above. The interface is similar to Ignis - SFTC, but includes the option of exporting a number of CFFBPS surface and crown fire metrics.
FuelCalcBC
Background
FuelCalcBC was developed for fire and fuel management planners to:
- Calculate canopy fuel characteristics from stand structure data; and
- Simulate the effects of fuel treatments on ground (duff and other below surface fuel), surface, and canopy fuels.
Download the user guide here.
What it does
FuelCalcBC is a fuel characteristics simulation software program that calculates pre- and post-harvest fuel loads. FuelCalcBC is useful for planning fuel treatments, and outputs can be used for modeling wildfire behavior. FuelCalcBC simulates fuel load changes in ground, surface, piled, and canopy fuel profiles, as fuel treatments add or remove fuels from each profile. Input files can be created in spreadsheets (.csv files) or by manually creating an input file in FuelCalcBC’s standard format.
Crown Fire Initiation and Spread (CFIS)
Background
CFIS incorporates several recently developed models designed to simulate crown fire behaviour, including the probability of crown fire initiation, the likelihood of crown fire occurrence, and both active and passive crown fire rates of spread. These models are based on research conducted by Cruz et al. (2003a, 2003b, 2004, 2005) and Alexander and Cruz (2006). The tool was formally published by Alexander et al. (2006).
CFIS - Initiation
Models the probability of crown fire initiation based on the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) System Components.
Inputs
Required: Type of model to use, canopy base height, 10-m wind speed, Fine Fuel Moisture Content (FFMC), Drought Code (DC).
[Optional] Initial Spread Index (ISI), Buildup Index (BUI).
Outputs
Standard: Probability of crown fire initiation (%)
CFIS - Occurrence
Models the likelihood of crown fire occurrence.
Inputs
Required: Fuel strata gap, 10-m wind speed, estimated fine fuel moisture content, and estimated amount of surface fuel consumption.
[Optional] Canopy bulk density, spotting separation distance.
Outputs
Standard: Probability of crown fire occurrence (%), type of fire (surface or crown)
[Optional] Crown fire ROS, critical spotting distance.
CFIS - Rate of Spread
Models the type of crown fire and the rate of spread.
Inputs
Required: Canopy bulk density, 10-m wind speed, estimated fine fuel moisture content.
[Optional] Weather and site variables to calculate fine fuel moisture content, spotting separation distance.
Outputs
Standard: Type of crown fire (passive or active), crown fire ROS
[Optional] Critical spotting distance.
What We Offer
Ignis Modeling
Ignis Modeling
Ignis Modeling
We have developed Ignis, a customized GIS Python tool, that models the surface fire intensity and rate of spread, the maximum fuel load threshold, and all Primary Components of the Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction System. All we require is an elevation dataset (e.g., raster or ascii). We charge a base rate for sites <=50 ha, and a flat rate per hectare thereafter for modelling. Please inquire for details.
FuelCalcBC
Ignis Modeling
Ignis Modeling
We charge an hourly rate for processing fuel treatment data with FuelCalcBC. Please inquire for details.
CFIS Modeling
CFIS Modeling
CFIS Modeling
We charge an hourly rate for CFIS modeling.
Consultation
CFIS Modeling
CFIS Modeling
We provide consultation in any aspect of the fire behavior modeling process. Please inquire for details.