PocketCards - How do I get my card(s) posted here?
PocketCard Approval and Posting Process
FireDanger Subcommittee (FDSC)
Updated February, 2011
Creators
Step 1. Local unit produces/updates PocketCard(s) following standards and guidelines described on the NWCG FAMWEB PocketCard Web Page. Preferred format for the PocketCard is PNG, JPG or PDF. Assistance in creating a PocketCard can be obtained from your Agency Approver or any member of the FDSC
Creating a PocketCard
Create a Fire Danger Rating Pocket Card for Firefighter Safety using FireFamily Plus:
Adjective Fire Danger Ratings
In 1974, the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and state forestry organizations established a standard adjective description for five levels of fire danger for use in public information releases and fire prevention signing. For this purpose only, fire danger is expressed using the adjective levels and color codes described below. In 2000, the NWCG Fire Danger Working Team reviewed and slightly revised these terms and definitions for adjective fire danger.
Energy Release Component - ERC
The Energy Release Component is a number related to the available energy (BTU) per unit area (square foot) within the flaming front at the head of a fire. Daily variations in ERC are due to changes in moisture content of the various fuels present, both live and dead. Since this number represents the potential "heat release" per unit area in the flaming zone, it can provide guidance to several important fire activities. It may also be considered a composite fuel moisture value as it reflects the contribution that all live and dead fuels have to potential fire intensity.
Burning Index/Fire Behavior Cross Reference
(Deeming et al. 1977)
| BI-1978 | Potential Flame | Fireline Intensity (BTUS/SEC/FT) | Narrative Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-30 | 0-3 | 0-55 | Most prescribed burns are conducted in this range. |
| 30-40 | 3-4 | 55-110 | Generally represent the limit of control for |
Burning Index
The Burning Index is a number related to the contribution of fire behavior to the effort of containing a fire. The BI (difficulty of control) is derived from a combination of Spread Component (how fast it will spread) and Energy Release Component (how much energy will be produced). In this way, it is related to flame length, which, in the Fire Behavior Prediction System, is based on rate of spread and heat per unit area. However, because of differences in the calculations for BI and flame length, they are not the same.
PocketCard Objective
The Fire Danger PocketCard
The Fire Danger PocketCard is a tool based on the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) to help the firefighter develop an awareness of the current fire situation that you are about to step into.
Guidelines for PocketCard Development
- Determine the intended use: The Fire Danger Pocket Card was originally conceived to brief out of area resources as well as local crews.
PocketCards
The Fire Danger PocketCard provides a format for interpreting and communicating key index values provided by the National Fire Danger Rating System. The objective is to lead to greater awareness of fire danger and subsequently increased firefighter safety. The PocketCard provides a description of seasonal changes in fire danger in a local area. It is useful to both local and out-of-area firefighters.