This report describes a new set of standard fire behavior fuel models for use with Rothermel's surface fire spread model and the relationship of the new set to the original set of 13 fire behavior fuel models. To assist with transition to using the new fuel models, a fuel model selection guide, fuel model crosswalk, and set of fuel model photos are provided.

Report:

• RMRS-GTR-153 (PDF; 8.7 MB)

Additional Materials:

Spreadsheets:

• CompareModelsFour.xls (113 KB)

This spreadsheet is the 'original' spreadsheet produced so that you can make quick, simple comparisons of the new fuel models with each other and with the original 13 fuel models. Guidance for using the spreadsheet is included in the help file, linked below.

• CompareModelsS495.xls (153 KB)

Although the original CompareModelsFour.xls spreadsheet continues to serve its purpose of simply comparing the fire behavior predicted for different fuel models, a few additional features are now incorporated into this 'S495' version. These added features include: the inclusion of fuel model numbers in addition to fuel model codes, the addition of a simple model of wind adjustment factor for each fuel model or for different canopy cover values, conversion of the X-axis to the 20-ft wind speed from the midflame height, and the inclusion of Rothermel’s crown fire rate of spread as a 'fuel model' on the chart. An intrepid user will also be able to add custom fuel models to the list.

Help File:

• NewFuelModels.chm (17.4 MB - NOTE: if you download and open 'NewFuelModels.chm' but no content is displayed, close the file, right click on the file name or icon, select 'Properties', click 'Unblock', and then try opening the file again)

The help file describes characteristics of the new fuel model set, its development, and its relationship to the original set of 13 fire behavior fuel models. To assist with transition to using the new fuel models, a fuel model selection guide, fuel model crosswalk, and set of fuel model photos are provided. The content of the help file mirrors the related General Technical Report linked above.

The material presented is reinforced with a workshop section, which includes answers to frequently asked questions, a quiz, and practical exercises. This document serves as a self-study aid for learning to use the new set of fuel models, or can be used as part of a training course wherever a discussion of standard fuel models is relevant.

Power Point Presentation:

• NewFuelModels.ppt (2.5 MB)