Author Topic: FWI Calculator  (Read 38083 times)

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Offline Axelvold

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FWI Calculator
« on: May 20, 2010, 10:06:51 AM »
I'm using this software to calculate my Fire Weather Index.

http://www.wilddata.org.nz/fwicalc/index.php?page=9

And you could see the FWI around the world (not many users right now)

http://www.wilddata.org.nz/fwicalc/index.php?page=6
Lars Magnusson
Axelvold / Sweden
55° 57' 41" N / 13° 6' 1" E
WX Station: Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

Offline Bushman

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2010, 10:55:02 AM »
Cool pgm.  Thanks!
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Offline Downlinerz2

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2010, 11:00:40 AM »
   Thanks for the post.  I am going to give it a try.   =D> =D> =D>

Offline casa manana

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2010, 12:08:45 PM »
Thanks for the post, this looks like a great tool.

We're currently in a fire weather watch here in Arizona......first of many this summer I'm sure.


Offline Weather Display

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2010, 01:58:04 PM »
you can get WD software to calculate the FWI for you though
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Offline Axelvold

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2010, 02:04:00 PM »
you can get WD software to calculate the FWI for you though

Yes I know that, and I'm using WD to that as well.

But this program creates a history page so you could follow the FWI.

I think it's a good complement to WD (nothing beats WD  \:D/ )
Lars Magnusson
Axelvold / Sweden
55° 57' 41" N / 13° 6' 1" E
WX Station: Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

Offline dhrandy

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #6 on: May 20, 2010, 07:29:01 PM »
I was going to check it out but I guess it doesn't work on Windows 7.
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Offline up10ad N9RJH

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #7 on: May 20, 2010, 09:50:12 PM »
The installer appears to be a 16 bit application and won't run in 64 bit windows, either Vista 64 or Win7 64.
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Offline up10ad N9RJH

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2010, 09:32:04 AM »
The developer up up a link to the raw files for download on 64 bit systems.  It doesn't need to 'install' and you can just copy the files to a new folder (C:\FWI, don't use Program Files x86).  The issue for me still seems to be that all data has to be entered manually, it doesn't seem to read either VWS or WD data files.  Also the help file is an old-style .chm that won't open in Win 7 and requires you to download a free viewer application to see it.

Did I overlook something here?  It does appear that if I create a custom data file daily at about noon containing  Date, Temp, Humidity, Windspeed & Rainfall (total or 24hr) that it will read that file.  
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Offline jmcmurry

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2010, 09:54:24 AM »
Rick,

I'm giving this a try too and have WD creating a file with the following tags and the program seems to parse it just fine.

%date-month%/%date-day%/%utcdate-yeartwo%,%temp%,%hum%,%avgspd%,%totalrainlast24hours%

I have it being updated the same way and times that testtags is done, but I do believe you only need it updated by noon each day.  My problem is that no matter what I try, fwiweb.xml isn't being created.  Maybe the program has to run awhile and build up some data first?

- Jim

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Offline Axelvold

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2010, 04:39:49 PM »
Rick,

I'm giving this a try too and have WD creating a file with the following tags and the program seems to parse it just fine.

%date-month%/%date-day%/%utcdate-yeartwo%,%temp%,%hum%,%avgspd%,%totalrainlast24hours%

I have it being updated the same way and times that testtags is done, but I do believe you only need it updated by noon each day.  My problem is that no matter what I try, fwiweb.xml isn't being created.  Maybe the program has to run awhile and build up some data first?

- Jim

I suppose you have ticked the option to create the XML file?
Lars Magnusson
Axelvold / Sweden
55° 57' 41" N / 13° 6' 1" E
WX Station: Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

Offline jmcmurry

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #11 on: May 23, 2010, 07:51:48 AM »
Lars,

Yes, I have that ticked and everything else seems to be doing fine, just no xml file for me yet.  I assume it will be created in the /FWI/ folder?  I see that I'm on the map now, but no data because of this file.

Thanks.  - Jim

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Offline Axelvold

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #12 on: May 23, 2010, 04:13:19 PM »
Lars,

Yes, I have that ticked and everything else seems to be doing fine, just no xml file for me yet.  I assume it will be created in the /FWI/ folder?  I see that I'm on the map now, but no data because of this file.

Thanks.  - Jim

Jim,

I think you got it working now, your FWI data is on the map.

http://www.wilddata.org.nz/fwicalc/index.php?page=6

Lars Magnusson
Axelvold / Sweden
55° 57' 41" N / 13° 6' 1" E
WX Station: Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

Offline jmcmurry

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #13 on: May 23, 2010, 08:42:03 PM »
Lars,

I apparently figured it out.  I had to make a simple page that only includes the table that he provides and started that to be created and uploaded.  I did that this morning prior to going to golf with my buddies and after 18 holes and several beers I find that it is now working.  Must have been the golf.  Lars, you're a wizzard!  Now I have to figure out what all these numbers really mean.

Thanks.  - Jim

Forum Search and Google Can be Your Best Friends

Offline Axelvold

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #14 on: May 24, 2010, 04:27:34 PM »
Now I have to figure out what all these numbers really mean.

Here is the explanation.

Quote
FFMC (Fine Fuel Moisture Code) is a numerical rating of the moisture content of surface litter and other cured fine fuels. It shows the relative ease of ignition and flammability of fine fuels. The moisture content of fine fuels is very sensitive to the weather. Even a day of rain, or of fine and windy weather, will significantly affect the FFMC rating. The system uses a time lag of two-thirds of a day to accurately measure the moisture content in fine fuels. The FFMC rating is on a scale of 0 to 99. Any figure above 70 is high, and above 90 is extreme.

DMC (Duff Moisture Code) is a numerical rating of the average moisture content of loosely compacted organic layers of moderate depth. The code indicates the depth that fire will burn in moderate duff layers and medium size woody material. Duff layers take longer than surface fuels to dry out but weather conditions over the past couple of weeks will significantly affect the DMC. The system applies a time lag of 12 days to calculate the DMC. A DMC rating of more than 30 is dry, and above 40 indicates that intensive burning will occur in the duff and medium fuels. Burning off operations should not be carried out when the DMC rating is above 40.

DC (Drought Code) is a numerical rating of the moisture content of deep, compact, organic layers. It is a useful indicator of seasonal drought and shows the likelihood of fire involving the deep duff layers and large logs. A long period of dry weather (the system uses 52 days) is needed to dry out these fuels and affect the Drought Code. A DC rating of 200 is high, and 300 or more is extreme indicating that fire will involve deep sub-surface and heavy fuels. Burning off should not be permitted when the DC rating is above 300.

ISI (Initial Spread Index) indicates the rate fire will spread in its early stages. It is calculated from the FFMC rating and the wind factor. The open-ended ISI scale starts at zero and a rating of 10 indicates high rate of spread shortly after igition. A rating of 16 or more indicates extremely rapid rate of spread.

BUI (Build Up Index) index shows the amount of fuel available for combustion, indicating how the fire will develop after initial spread. It is calculated from the Duff Moisture Code and the Drought Code. The BUI scale starts at zero and is open-ended. A rating above 40 is high, above 60 is extreme.

FWI (Fire Weather Index) Information from the ISI and BUI is combined to provide a numerical rating of fire intensity - the Fire Weather Index. The FWI indicates the likely intensity of a fire. The FWI is divided into four fire danger classes: Low 0 - 7 Moderate 8 - 16 High l7 - 31 Extreme 32+

FFDC (Forest Fire Danger Code) Based on predicted generated "fire intensity (kw/m?)" in forest type vegetation (pine, beech). This code denotes how difficult it would be to control a fire in this vegetation type should one start. (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extreme)

SFDC (Scrub Fire Danger Code) Based on predicted generated "fire intensity (kw/m?)" in scrub type vegetation (manuka, gorse, broom). This code denotes how difficult it would be to control a fire in this vegetation type should one start. (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extreme)

GFDC (Grass Fire Danger Code) Based on predicted generated "fire intensity (kw/m?)" in grass type vegetation (dry grass, tussock). This code denotes how difficult it would be to control a fire in this vegetation type should one start. (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extreme)
Lars Magnusson
Axelvold / Sweden
55° 57' 41" N / 13° 6' 1" E
WX Station: Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

Offline Arthurhh

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #15 on: December 25, 2010, 03:30:29 PM »
I'm using this software to calculate my Fire Weather Index.

http://www.wilddata.org.nz/fwicalc/index.php?page=9

And you could see the FWI around the world (not many users right now)

http://www.wilddata.org.nz/fwicalc/index.php?page=6

Just followed up from your email, it was easy to implement and seems very competent.

Offline Arthurhh

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #16 on: December 26, 2010, 01:34:03 AM »
I'm using this software to calculate my Fire Weather Index.

http://www.wilddata.org.nz/fwicalc/index.php?page=9

And you could see the FWI around the world (not many users right now)

http://www.wilddata.org.nz/fwicalc/index.php?page=6

Just followed up from your email, it was easy to implement and seems very competent.

Maybe not I seem to be unable to use custom out txt since it is generated every minute for other applications I have so now I am looking at a custon texttags file.

Offline Axelvold

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #17 on: December 26, 2010, 02:58:59 AM »
This is what I use.

Code: [Select]
%date-year%-%date-month%-%date-day%,%temp%,%hum%,%avspeedinkmh%,%totalrainlast24hours%
And it's created every minute.
Lars Magnusson
Axelvold / Sweden
55° 57' 41" N / 13° 6' 1" E
WX Station: Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

Offline Arthurhh

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #18 on: December 26, 2010, 05:56:19 AM »
This is what I use.

Code: [Select]
%date-year%-%date-month%-%date-day%,%temp%,%hum%,%avspeedinkmh%,%totalrainlast24hours%
And it's created every minute.

Hmm I dont have a tag %totalrainlast24hours% and any attempt to add it errors.

[FIXED] It does help to enclose the %% in quotes  :oops:
« Last Edit: December 26, 2010, 09:03:04 AM by Arthurhh »

Offline capeweather

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #19 on: March 19, 2012, 01:34:20 PM »
I just started using this software about 4 days ago and it's great!!! The graphs are getting generated and even got the tabular data updating which is set for 30 days. So far I've only collected 4 days of data but it appears to be updating nicely. I was really surprised to only see 6 stations in the entire US contributing their data but maybe that will change. My page is listed below if anybody wants to check it out...

http://www.capeweather.com/fire-graphs.html

Chris
Cape Coral, Florida
Website: http://www.capeweather.com
Website: http://www.fortmyersweather.net

Offline casa manana

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #20 on: March 20, 2012, 02:06:37 PM »
Your site looks great.  It's motivating me to get this going on my station before our fire season in Arizona, which is right around the corner.


Offline capeweather

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #21 on: March 20, 2012, 02:25:14 PM »
Thanks! Yes, it is slick software and will like it!
Your site looks great.  It's motivating me to get this going on my station before our fire season in Arizona, which is right around the corner.



Chris
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Offline Axelvold

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #22 on: March 20, 2012, 03:55:40 PM »
I just started using this software about 4 days ago and it's great!!! The graphs are getting generated and even got the tabular data updating which is set for 30 days. So far I've only collected 4 days of data but it appears to be updating nicely. I was really surprised to only see 6 stations in the entire US contributing their data but maybe that will change. My page is listed below if anybody wants to check it out...

http://www.capeweather.com/fire-graphs.html

Nice to see that there is more and more using this software.

Right now there is 19 statins on the FWI worldmap (could be more)

7 in Europe, 1 in Africa, 3 in New Zealand, 1 in Australia and 7 in USA

In total there is 31 stations

Australia - Bayswater North Weather
Belgium - Mechelen (O.L.V. Waver)
Canada - Haliburton
Canada - Tzouhalem-Maple Bay
Dominican Republic - DOMINICAN
Greece - Vyron, Athens   
Netherlands - Eersel
Netherlands - Hoogeloon
Netherlands - Meteo Alkmaar
Netherlands - Noorden
Netherlands - Tilburg-Reeshof
Netherlands - Veenendaal   
New Zealand - Arthur's Pass 
New Zealand - Palmerston North 
New Zealand - Tokoroa Weather Live 
New Zealand - Wairoa, Hawkes Bay 
Slovenia - Slovenske Konjice
Slovenia - VP Okroglo, Kal nad Kanalom
South Africa - SecundaWeather 
Sweden - Axelvold
Switzerland - Vouvry
United States - Albuquerque
United States - Brighton
United States - Cape Coral
United States - Hoosick Falls
United States - Hudson, Florida
United States - Lowell, MA
United States - Mauston, Wisconsin
United States - Round Rock
United States - Springfield,IL
United States - Waupaca, Wisconsin


Lars Magnusson
Axelvold / Sweden
55° 57' 41" N / 13° 6' 1" E
WX Station: Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

Offline ccweather

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #23 on: March 23, 2012, 03:53:56 PM »
Started running FWI Calc just a couple days after CapeWeather ...
He talked me into it!! LOL ...
It IS very cool. Once you get the little burps and hickups for the data format/parsing figured out...

http://www.charlottecountyweather.com/fire-graphs.php
Mark... (ccweather)
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Offline capeweather

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Re: FWI Calculator
« Reply #24 on: March 23, 2012, 04:32:19 PM »
 UU

Started running FWI Calc just a couple days after CapeWeather ...
He talked me into it!! LOL ...
It IS very cool. Once you get the little burps and hickups for the data format/parsing figured out...

http://www.charlottecountyweather.com/fire-graphs.php

Chris
Cape Coral, Florida
Website: http://www.capeweather.com
Website: http://www.fortmyersweather.net