Laureles Fire Feb. 6-7, 2008 Fire Weather Decision Support Services Jason Runyen Fire Weather Program Leader National Weather Service Corpus Christi, TX

NWS Forecast Office Areas

NWS Fire Weather Products 1.Fire Weather Planning Forecasts 2.Fire Weather Watches 3.Red Flag Warnings 4.Fire Danger Statements 5.Fire Warnings 6.Hourly Forecasts & Graphical Products on the Web

Used by land management personnel for input in decision- making related to pre-suppression and other planning These decisions can impact firefighter safety, protection of the public and property and resource allocation Issued daily by NWS Corpus Christi by 6:30 AM & 4 PM. (updated as needed)) Fire Weather Planning Forecast

NWS Products and Services Fire Weather Planning Forecast

Fire Weather Watch  Generally hours in advance of event  Reasonably Confidence  Can be issued first 12 hours for dry lightning events  WWUS84 KCRP (SATRFWCRP) Red Flag Event Products Red Flag Warning  Within 24 hours in advance of event  High degree of confidence  WWUS84 KCRP (SATRFWCRP)

When Fuels are Cured Coastal Counties RH at or below 40% And 20-Foot winds sustained or frequently gusting at or above 25 mph Inland Counties RH at or below 30% And 20-Foot winds sustained or frequently gusting at or above 25 mph These conditions have been determined to be critical to wildfire potential and growth across South Texas Red Flag Criteria

1)Red Flag Weather Criteria AND 2)Dry to Extremely Dry Fuel Moisture Red Flag Criteria When Fuels are not Cured

 Issued for Sub-Red Flag Warning Events (elevated but not critical)  Conditions can still have significant impact to land management agencies  Similar to an Advisory  FNUS64 KCRP (SATRFDCRP) Fire Danger Statements

 A warning of a spreading wildfire or structural fire that threatens a populated area  Evacuation of areas in the fire’s path may be recommended  Issued by request of authorized Emergency Manager  Can trigger EAS  SATFRWCRP Fire Warnings

 Ability to receive text messages and alerts for NWS Watches, Warnings & Advisories  Customizable Products you want County, Zip Code or user defined geo-targeted areas iNWS Text/ Messaging Notification

iNWS

iNWS Text/ Messaging Notification Example Red Flag Warning Fire Danger Statement

iNWS Text/ Messaging Notification Example

Fire Weather Products on our Website

South Texas Fire Weather Digital Services on the internet

South Texas Fire Weather Digital Services on the internet

South Texas Fire Weather Digital Services on the internet

Fire Weather Point Forecasts

Fire Weather Point Forecasts

Graphicasts

Multimedia Briefings

Briefings High Impact Events High Impact Events Weekly Briefings during Peak of Fire Season Weekly Briefings during Peak of Fire Season Fire Partners make sure we have your address Fire Partners make sure we have your address

Laureles Fire Feb. 6-7, 2008 Thank You! Jason Runyen Fire Weather Program Leader NWS Corpus Christi, TX