Evaluation of Fire Forecast Products to Enhance U.S. Drought Preparedness and Response

Abstract:

This project assesses the impact that the National Seasonal Assessment Workshop (NSAW) seasonal and monthly fire outlooks have on decision makers who collaborate to manage wildfires in the western U.S. The project was inspired by increasing evidence that the following is not well documented: who uses the in­formation in these products, for what purposes, or the economic benefits of using them. This project evaluates how these products are being used and also analyzes network patterns across regional and federal networks of fire management to see how information is communicated across agencies.

Project Partners:

• California Nevada Applications Program
• Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy
• Desert Research Institute