Field Guide to the Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction (FBP) System

The Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction (FBP) System is a systematic method for assessing wildland fire behavior potential. This field guide provides a simplified version of the system, presented in tabular format. It was prepared to assist field staff in making first approximations of FBP System outputs when computer-based applications are not available. Quantitative estimates of head fire spread rate, fire intensity, type of fire, and spread distance, elliptical fire area, perimeter, and perimeter growth rate are provided for eighteen fuel types within five broad groupings (coniferous, deciduous, and mixedwood forests, logging slash, and grass), covering most of the major wildland fuel types found in Canada. The FBP System is intended to supplement, not replace, the experience and judgment of fire personnel.