FOFEM -- First Order Fire Effects Model

DESCRIPTION

As described on the Huntana Web site, the First Order Fire Effects Model (FOFEM)
is an easy to use computer program used to predict the effects of prescribed fire and wildfire in forests and rangelands throughout the U.S.  FOFEM provides:

• Quantitative, site-specific predictions of tree mortality by species and size and by flame length;
• Fuel Consumption for duff,  woody fuels, and live fuel including canopy, and,
• Smoke information including crown or surface fires, site specific emission factors, combustion efficency, and, PM 2.5, PM 10, CO.

FOFEM helps the user compare alternatives, predict effects of prescribed fire or wildfire, design fire predictors, develop salavage criteria, and assess fire hazard - site specific or broadscale.  More detailed information on FOFEM is also provided by Huntana, including applications, output, and user documentation.

SCALE AND AREAS OF APPLICATION

FOFEM contains data and prediction equations that apply throughout the U.S., for most forest and rangeland vegetation types that experience fire. The program uses four geographic regions, and SAF/FRES vegetation types to stratify data and methods.   FOFEM makes fire effects research results readily available to managers. Potential uses include wildfire impact assessment, development of salvage specifications, design of fire prescriptions, environmental assessment and fire management planning. FOFEM can also be used in real-time, quickly estimating tree mortality, smoke generation and fuel consumption of ongoing fires.

SURVEY COMMENTS

Twelve survey respondents reported using FOFEM.  All of the FOFEM users surveyed consider it to be either "somewhat important" or "very important" in their jobs. In addition, all scored it as either "somewhat good" or "very good" at doing what they needed it to do. Still, two-thirds of those same respondents said that there was a high need to change to or develop a different tool to better perform those tasks.

BENEFITS (PROS)

COSTS (CONS)

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