Estimating windspeeds for predicting wildland fire behaviour.

Abstract

This paper presents formulae, tables, and figures that can be used to estimate the ratio of mean windspeed acting on the flame from a spreading wildland fire to the mean windspeed 20 ft (6 m) above the vegetation cover. The formulae for windspeed above uniform, continuous vegetation cover are based upon the logarithmic wind profile over flat terrain. A model for estimating windspeed within a forest canopy is developed to extend the application to surface fires in forests.- Authors