Synoptic weather types associated with critical fire weather

Abstract

Recognizing that weather is an important factor in the spread of both urban and wildland fires, a study was made of the synoptic weather patterns and types which produce strong winds, low relative humidities, high temperatures, and lack of rainfall--the conditions conducive to rapid fire spread. Such historic fires as the San Francisco fire of 1906, the Berkeley fire of 1923, the Chicago fire of 1871, the Bel Air- Brentwood fire of 1961, and the Hamburg firestorm of 1943 were undoubtedly influenced by the weather pattern occurring at the time. If critical fire weather periods can be predicted, preparations can be made to counter such disasters and reduce the damage they cause. But before such predictions can be made, the synoptic weather patterns must be identified.

Citation

Schroeder, Mark J.; Glovinsky, Monte; Hendricks, Virgil F.; Hood, Frank C.; Hull, Melvin K.; Jacobson, Henry L.; Kirkpatrick, Robert; Krueger, Daniel W.; Mallory, Lester P.; Oeztel, Albert G.; Reese, Robert H.; Sergius, Leo A.; Syverson, Charles E. 1964. Synoptic weather types associated with critical fire weather. Berkeley, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 503 p.