Comparative ratings of 1951 forest fire weather in western Oregon.

Abstract

The 1951 forest fire weather in western Oregon is generally conceded to have been unusually severe. In order to compare this season with others, this report uses a scheme for rating fire seasons recently developed by the Fire Research section of the Experiment Station, The rating is based on indices of three weather characteristics which generally control burning conditions. These characteristics and the indices used to measure them are as follows: 1. The severity of burning conditions during dry spells is indicated by the average 4:30 p.m. burning index on the worst 50 percent of the days. 2. The length of dry spells or degree of drought buildup is indicated by the average number of days since a wetting rain. 3 The proportion of the season during which fires might have spread and dining which fire protection effort is needed is indicated by the total number of rainless days.

Citation

Cramer, Owen P.; Kirkpatrick, Robert. 1951. Comparative ratings of 1951 forest fire weather in western Oregon. PNW Old Series Research Notes No. 76: 6 p.