Laureles FireFeb. 6-7, 2008

Fire WeatherDecision Support Services

Jason RunyenFire Weather Program Leader

National Weather ServiceCorpus Christi, TX

NWS Forecast Office Areas

NWS Fire Weather Products

1. Fire Weather Planning Forecasts2. Fire Weather Watches3. Red Flag Warnings4. Fire Danger Statements5. Fire Warnings6. Hourly Forecasts & Graphical Products

on the Web

• Used by land management personnel for input in decision-making related to pre-suppression and other planning

• These decisions can impact firefighter safety, protection of the public and property and resource allocation

• Issued daily by NWS Corpus Christi by 6:30 AM & 4 PM. (updated as needed))

Fire Weather Planning Forecast

NWS Products and ServicesFire Weather Planning Forecast

• Fire Weather Watch Generally 12-96 hours in

advance of event Reasonably Confidence Can be issued first 12

hours for dry lightning events

WWUS84 KCRP (SATRFWCRP)

Red Flag Event Products

• Red Flag Warning Within 24 hours in advance

of event High degree of confidence WWUS84 KCRP

(SATRFWCRP)

When Fuels are Cured

Coastal CountiesRH at or below 40%

And20-Foot winds sustained or

frequently gusting at or above 25 mph

Inland CountiesRH at or below 30%

And20-Foot winds sustained or

frequently gusting at or above 25 mph

These conditions have been determined to be critical to wildfire potential and growth across South Texas

Red Flag Criteria

1) Red Flag Weather Criteria AND

2) Dry to Extremely Dry Fuel Moisture

Red Flag CriteriaWhen Fuels are not Cured

Issued for Sub-Red Flag Warning Events (elevated but not critical)

Conditions can still have significant impact to land management agencies

Similar to an Advisory

FNUS64 KCRP (SATRFDCRP)

Fire Danger Statements

A warning of a spreading wildfire or structural fire that threatens a populated area

Evacuation of areas in the

fire’s path may be recommended

Issued by request of authorized Emergency Manager

Can trigger EAS

SATFRWCRP

Fire Warnings

Fire Warnings

Ability to receive text messages and email alerts for NWS Watches, Warnings & Advisories

Customizable• Products you want• County, Zip Code or user

defined geo-targeted areas

iNWS Text/Email Messaging Notification

iNWS Text/Email Messaging Notification

http://inws.wrh.noaa.gov

iNWS Text/Email Messaging Notification

Example

Red Flag Warning

Fire Danger

Statement

iNWS Text/Email Messaging Notification

Example

www.weather.gov/corpuschristi

Fire Weather Products on our Website

www.weather.gov/corpuschristi

South Texas Fire WeatherDigital Services on the internet

South Texas Fire WeatherDigital Services on the internet

www.weather.gov/corpuschristi

South Texas Fire WeatherDigital Services on the internet

Fire Weather Point Forecastswww.weather.gov/fire

Fire Weather Point Forecastswww.weather.gov/fire

Graphicasts

Multimedia Briefings

Email Briefings

• High Impact Events

• Weekly Briefings during Peak of Fire Season

• Fire Partners make sure we have your email address

Laureles FireFeb. 6-7, 2008

Thank You!Jason Runyen

Fire Weather Program LeaderNWS Corpus Christi, TX

361-289-0959Jason.Runyen@noaa.gov