Description

In the absence of available LANDFIRE data in Alaska, a FARSITE landscape file was generated for the Tanana Zone Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) prototype by applying a cross-walk to the recently released Alaska National Land Cover Data (NLCD) dataset. In an effort to determine the validity of the NLCD-based Tanana Zone landscape (.lcp) file for use in WFDSS and FPA, FARSITE calibration runs were conducted using a fire that had occurred in Denali National Park and Preserve in 2005. Calibration efforts were focused on the Denali area because of the potential to use a FARSITE.lcp file based on the Denali landcover map. The Denali.lcp was felt to be of higher quality than the Tanana Zone .lcp file because of the enhanced detail and accuracy of the Denali landcover map in comparison to the NLCD data. The 2005 Herron River fire was used for calibration because of the availability of good perimeter data during a time of large fire growth (July 7-12). Initial calibration runs on the Tanana Zone.lcp verified the need for major refinements and modifications. Further calibration should be conducted on historic fires throughout the Tanana Zone.