Fine Fuel Moisture Code

The FFMC values shown on the map are numerical ratings of the moisture content of litter and other cured fine fuels. The FFMC indicates the relative ease of ignition and flammability of fine fuels. Thus, the FFMC is used as an indicator of ignition potential or the potential for fires to start and spread in the area. (Fine Fuels: Slash fuels, grassland, lalang, bushes etc.)

The meteorological variables used (Temperature, Relative Humidity, Rainfall, Wind Speed) are those measured at principal meteorological stations throughout the country.

Spatial Analyst is carried out using the ArcView software.

For the interpretation of the map, please refer to the table below :-

Class - Ignition
Potential

Interpretation
Low Low probability of fire starts.
Moderate

Moderate probability of fire starts in areas of local dryness.

High Grass fuels becoming easily ignitable. Higher probability of fire starts.
Extreme

Grass fuels highly flammable. Very high probability of fire starts.

Low = 0 - 72     Moderate = 73 - 77     High = 78 - 82     Extreme > 82

Duff Moisture Code

The DMC values shown on the map are numerical ratings of the average moisture content of a loosely compacted surface organic layers (duff). The code indicates fuel consumption of surface organic layer with low bulk density and medium-sized woody material.

For the interpretation of the map, please refer to the table below :-

Class Interpretation
Low Top layers of organic soil are wet.
Moderate Top layers of organic soil are moist.
High Top layers of organic soil becoming dry.
Extreme Top layers of organic soil are dry

Low = 0 - 4     Moderate = 5 - 14     High = 15 - 29     Extreme > 29

Drought Code

The DC values shown on the map are indicative values of the moisture content of a deep layer of compact organic matter. Peat soil is an example of deep compact organic soil. The DC is used to indicate the potential for fire to smoulder in peat which is the primary cause of smoke and haze in Southeast Asia. It can also be used as an indicator of difficulty in extinguishing deep burning peat fires as well as an early warning indicator of serious haze events.

For the interpretation of the map, please refer to the table below :-

Class – Smoke Potential Interpretation
Low Typical wet-season conditions and severe haze periods are unlikely. More than 30 dry days until DC reaches threshold at which point severe haze is highly likely.
Moderate Normal mid dry-season conditions. Between 15 and 30 dry days until DC reaches threshold. Burning should be regulated and monitored as usual.
High Normal dry season peak conditions. Between 5 and 15 dry days until DC reaches threshold. All burning in peatlands should be restricted. Weather forecast and seasonal rainfall assessments should be monitored closely for signs of an extended dry season.
Extreme Approaching disaster-level drought conditions. Less than 5 dry days until DC reaches threshold, at which point severe haze is highly likely. Complete burning restriction should be enforced.

Low <140     Moderate = 140 - 260     High = 261 - 350     Extreme >350

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