# Presentation: 387673

## Fire Weather Services Training and Professional Development

**NWS Directive 10-405**
**Jason Hansford, WFO SHV**
**Jim DeBerry, WFO SHV**

## Requirements of a Fire Weather Forecaster

- Fire Weather and Wildland Fire Behavior Baseline Knowledge
- NWS Fire Weather computer-based learning module
- Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), Computer or Residence Course
- Local Training
- Effects of local terrain on fire weather parameters/behavior (emphasis on wind)
- Local fire weather forecast techniques
- Local fire season climatology
- Familiarity with local Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) Sites
- Products and Services
- Familiarity with all NWS Fire Weather Products
- Proficiency in Preparation and Dissemination for each product
***** DON’T FORGET REVIEWING REGIONAL FIRE WX ANNUAL OPERATING PLANS, AND REMAIN PROFICIENT WITH PRODUCTS!*****

## Fire Weather Program Leaders (FWPLs)

- Together with the MIC, will be responsible for training and development of fire weather forecasters/assisting IMETs when needed.
- Duties: Developing/implementing new forecast products/techniques, and conducting climate/fire weather related studies.
- Fire Weather Forecaster requirements *plus*
- Advanced Fire Weather and Wildland Fire Behavior
- Fire Weather Forecasters Course (S-591)                                                    (S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior, and the Fire Weather COMET CBL (web-based version) are prerequisites for this course)
- Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations S-390 (Recommended)
- National Fire Danger Ratings System (NFDRS)
- Gaining an Understanding of the National Fire Danger Rating System       (S-491) booklet (History/Purpose, details of components/indices, how it is used by land managers, and importance to local land management agencies)
- S-491 CD-ROM
- NFDRS Reference Material CD-ROM

## Incident Meteorologists (IMETS) Certification			and Training

**MUST** have at least attained the level of Journeyman Forecaster and meet FWPL  requirements *plus*:
- Advanced Fire Weather (IMET) Training
- Advanced knowledge of complex terrain and its impacts on fire weather     parameters
- Mesoscale meteorology
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge of climatological patterns associated with fire activity
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge of fire behavior, including knowledge of fuels and fire climatology
- Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
- Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations Course (S-390)
- Knowledge and familiarization of Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (S-490)
- Incident Command System Orientation
- Acquire basic knowledge of the Incident Command System organization, terminology, and responsibilities.
- Incident Command System Orientation workbook (I-100)

## IMET Certification and Training (continued)

- Incident Training Assignment
- Completion of at least 2 training assignments with certified IMETs.
- 1st assignment:  Observes certified IMET/incident familiarization
- 2nd assignment:  Certified IMET observes trainee
- On-site training for combined 2 assignments >= 10 days
- IMET Task Book proficiency
- Experience with dispatch/demobilization procedures and the Incident Command System
- Set up/use/disassembly/packing of AMRS (All Hazards Meteorological Response System) and ATMU (Atmospheric Theodolite Meteorological Unit)
- Ordering/use of FireRAWS from Bureau of Land Management
- Preparation of on-site forecasts, briefing Incident team, and coordinating with local WFO’s
- Hughes Certification (formerly DirecWay)
- FCC requires certification for installation of Hughes (2-way satellite) equipment for use of FX-Net.
- Offered at least once annually at the IMET workshop, or as needed.

## IMET Re-certification

- Reviewed annually by Regional HQ’s and MIC’s
- To remain certified, IMET must complete _**ONE**_ of the following within 18 months:
- Respond to an incident dispatch as a certified IMET using the AMRS
- Attend the annual National IMET Workshop
- Complete annual equipment (AMRS, theodolite, FireRAWS) re-fresher training with another certified IMET, with the training approved by the IMET’s MIC
- If certification has lapsed, to re-certify, complete any one of the above.  If the IMET responds for a dispatch training session to re-certify, the certified IMET will determine the necessary length of dispatch for    re-certification.
- IMET’s MIC and Regional HQ’s MUST be notified of recommended re-certification, with either of these two parties notifying the NFWOC (National Fire Weather Operations Coordinator) at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) for any changes in IMET recertification.

## Optional IMET Training

- Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (S-490)
- Provides advanced skills in fire behavior analysis and prediction through the use of more complicated scenarios involving weather, terrain, and fuels.
- Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation (S-590)
- Obtain knowledge of the role of the Fire Behavior Analyst on an incident and to better understand the interaction of the IMET with a Fire Behavior Analyst.
- Basic Incident Command System Course (I-200)
- Understand the principles of the Incident Command System, including organizational structure, facilities, resource terminology, and responsibilities associated with incident assignments.

## The End