LESSON 3 - EFFECTS OF WEATHER, TOPOGRAPHY AND FUELS ON FIRE BEHAVIOR

3.1 Seasonal Effects

The changing seasons refer to the tilting of the earth`s axis and the impact for all of us in relation to where we are on the planet. The most obvious impact is the amount of sunlight received which controls the kind of weather and regular growth cycle of vegetation. As the earth begins to tilt forward (northern hemisphere) in winter, the sun`s rays become stronger and more direct which provides more direct heat on fuels. This process changes the look of fire behavior from season to season.

Spring -	Rapid spread rates in fine fuels, light mop up effort.
Summer -	High intensity levels, rapid spread rates, extensive mop up effort.
Autumn -	Moderate to high intensity levels, potential rapid spread rates, prolonged mop up effort.

These are general patterns for each season but the look of each fire depends on daily conditions.