Phase 1: Planning & Preparation
Phase 2: On-Site Actions
Phase 3: Communication
Red Flag Warnings
Never burn when a Red Flag Warning is in effect. Check NWS alerts before any ignition.
Smoke Management
Ensure adequate ventilation index (VI > 20,000). Monitor smoke drift direction and nearby sensitive receptors.
Escape Routes
Maintain at least 2 escape routes at all times. Brief all crew on rally points.
Weather Monitoring
Continuously monitor weather during burn operations. Be prepared to suppress if conditions change.
Ventilation Index (VI)
Mixing Height × Transport Wind Speed. Measures atmosphere's ability to disperse smoke. >40,000 = good, <20,000 = poor.
Dispersion Index (ADI, Lavdas 1986)
Stability-aware smoke dispersion index used across the South. Daytime 41+ generally good for burning; <21 poor. Night values run much lower and are read on their own scale.
LVORI (1-10)
Low Visibility Occurrence Risk Index: likelihood of smoke/fog visibility hazards on roads, from humidity + Dispersion Index. Caution at 5+; do not burn at 7+ unless fully mopped up by dusk.
KBDI (Keetch-Byram)
Cumulative drought index (0-800) computed from observed daily rainfall and temperature. 600+ = severe drought, deep duff consumption likely.
Fosberg FWI
Instantaneous fire-weather severity from temperature, humidity, and wind (0-100). 50+ = significant fire weather.
1-Hr Fuel Moisture
Moisture in fine dead fuels (Simard EMC). Southern Rx guides recommend 7-20%; below ~6% expect spotting and erratic behavior.
Haines Index
Atmosphere stability and moisture indicator (2-6). ≥5 = elevated large fire potential.
Mixing Height
Height of convective boundary layer. Higher = better smoke dispersal.
Transport Wind
Wind speed through mixing layer. Determines how fast smoke moves away from source. Note: NWS surface winds are 10-m (~33 ft) values; southern Rx guides reference 20-ft winds, which read slightly lower.
Disclaimer
This dashboard is a decision-support tool only. All burn decisions must be made by qualified prescribed fire managers using current field conditions. Always verify conditions on-site before ignition. The developers and MDEQ assume no liability for burn outcomes based on this tool's data.