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During the 1980's, the establishment of a provincial network of automated weather stations began. The fire weather data collection program has evolved to the point where timely weather information is a critical key to sound fire management. There are currently eight weather stations operating year-round in the Kamloops Fire Zone and 40 in the Kamloops Region. Temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation are recorded hourly and transmitted automatically by radio and telephone.
Anticipating fire behaviour and the correct placement of crews is a significant safety issue in fighting wildfires. Informed predictions of fire behaviour are based on three key categories: weather, topography, and fuel. The past, current and forecast weather plays an important role in fire management decisions, such as:
- Prevention - Fire Warden patrols, burning restrictions/closures.
- Preparedness - Location and allocation of resources such as personnel and equipment.
- Response - Firefighting strategies, mode of transport.
Canada's current method of fire danger assessment is known as the Canadian
Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS). The CFFDRS currently comprises
two major subsystems, namely the Fire Weather Index (FWI) System and the
Fire Behavior Prediction (FBP) System. Every summer, the Fire Danger Rates
the public hears on the radio originates from the collection of weather data
that is used to compute the FWI and FBP indices.
- The FWI System's six components individually and collectively account for the effects of fuel moisture and wind on ignition potential and probable fire behavior in the form of relative numerical ratings.
- The FBP System provides quantitative estimates of head fire spread rate, fuel consumption, fire intensity, and fire description.
For more about the CFFDRS, see http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/en_CA/background/summary/fdr.
Every year, from about April 1st to October 31st, a contract Weather Technician
provides weather forecasts for the Kamloops Fire Center. These forecasts
are an integral part of of a Zone Forest Protection Officer and a Centre Fire
Control Officer's planning process. Forecasts are also used by
all fire suppression staff as well as districts, industry and various other
agencies.
Using data from the automated weather station
network along other forecasting tools, such as: real-time satellite imagery,
the AES lightning strike detection system, and computer generated forecast
guidance, the Weather Technician provides provincial and regional weather
forecasts for the Kamloops Fire Center and Air Tanker Base. Regional briefings
are held twice daily, while spot forecasts are provided for significant
fires.
Click on a name in the map to see a photo of the
weather station and information about its location.
Danger Class Days for the Kamloops Fire Zone Weather Stations
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