Applying the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) to support risk-informed decision making: The Gold Pan Fire, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana, USA

Abstract

In response to federal wildfire policy changes, risk-informed decision-making by way of improved decision support, is increasingly becoming a component of managing wildfires. As fire incidents escalate in size and complexity, the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) provides support with different analytical tools as fire conditions change. We demonstrate the application of WFDSS information and tools to assess risk management cycle elements by using a case study wildfire from the 2013 fire season; the Gold Pan Fire, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana, USA. Examples of the scalability of the WFDSS, its ability to gain quick situational awareness, and an evaluation of fire behavior potential and burn probability with respect to Highly Valued Resources and Assets, is shown for the Gold Pan Fire as an emerging incident that evolved into a complex wildfire, supported with sophisticated analyses to assist decision-making.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the large wildland fires conference; May 19-23, 2014; Missoula, MT

Citation

Noonan-Wright, Erin K.; Opperman, Tonja S. 2015. Applying the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) to support risk-informed decision making: The Gold Pan Fire, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana, USA. In: Keane, Robert E.; Jolly, Matt; Parsons, Russell; Riley, Karin. Proceedings of the large wildland fires conference; May 19-23, 2014; Missoula, MT. Proc. RMRS-P-73. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 320-323.