WILDFIRE: LATEST LEARNINGS- v01.6

WILDFIRE: LATEST LEARNINGS

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General learning outcome:

FIRE MANAGEMENT:

Specific learning outcome:

A range of nocturnal processes must be considered: subsidence inversions, jets, thermal belt, Foehn winds.

Topic:

Detecting a subsidence inversion using an on-site AWS, hand-held weather meters, internet data sources and pressure charts.

Expert Awareness for Advanced Firefighters & Fire Behaviour Analysts


Subsidence inversions are predictable. They require a large high pressure cell overhead, and often occur on adjacent nights. Analysts need to discuss the situation with the duty forecaster.
It is highly recommended that expert staff are tasked to the Situation Unit if a subsidence inversion is in place over a fireground or is forecast to be so. They must be tasked to monitor the onset and effects of subsidence inversions. Analysts must be familiar with the synoptic weather patterns locally associated with subsidence inversion development. They are best detected in Aerological Diagrams.
Field observers need to assess the impact of winds flowing over the ranges, especially from the point of view of where they are reaching the surface. Field observers should also monitor surface fire weather.
Consideration may be given to issuing watchouts or Red Flag Warnings.
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This website is dedicated to bringing forward the latest research findings. They are provided to allow firefighters to be made aware of critical safety issues ahead of the material being included in the national training curriculum.
Material prepared by Rick McRae for AFAC Research Dissemination Pilot Study, March 2012.