FLAME

On-line training is still being developed Other training information

Unforeseen change is a major contributor to fireline accidents, a universal common denominator. Even though firefighters know about the factors that affect fire behavior they can be caught by unforeseen dangerous changes in fire behavior. The FireLine Assessment MEthod (FLAME) is a unique, fireline-practical application of fire-behavior science to support safety and suppression decisions. It can identify and evaluate potential changes in fire behavior, especially the large, short term changes. These are the kinds of changes that can occur in a few feet or a few minutes on the fireline and threaten firefighter safety.

FLAME applies fire behavior prediction science to the implementation of LCES and the Standard Firefighting Order “Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire”. It utilizes situational awareness based observations combined with an easy to use paper-and-pencil pocket guide. FLAME takes account of the “current” fire behavior as a baseline, directs attention to the “next big change” and evaluates the magnitude of that change. Utilizing current fire behavior and the expected conditions, it provides two directly usable outputs: how rate-of-spread (ROS) will change, and the fire spread-time to a given point.

An introduction to FLAME is a component of the soon to be released 2007 revision of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior, S-290. FLAME will also be available on-line at training.nwcg.gov as an interactive, self pace training. This training product is expected to be completed in the spring of 2007. As soon as the product is available, a link to the FLAME training website will be provided from WFSTAR.