National Fuel Moisture Database

About NFMD

The National Fuel Moisture Database is a web-based query system that enables users to view sampled and measured live- and dead-fuel moisture information. The system utilizes a database that is routinely updated by fuels specialists who monitor, sample and calculate fuel moisture data.

Purpose of NFMD

NFMD serves multiple purposes. Firstly, NFMD provides a repository for sampled live- and dead-fuel moisture. Fuel moisture data can now be stored in database that serves as a national archive of the fuels record. Secondly, it provides a resource for anyone who has a need for fuel moisture data. A national database eliminates the need for multiple requests for data or exhaustive searches for such data which can often result in little or no success. Thirdly, it allows for easy viewing of the data in formats that are consistent with other applications used in the land management arenas.

History of NFMD

The idea of a national fuel moisture database arose in late 2001 when the Predictive Services program was in its infancy. The original specification of the Real-time Observations Monitor and Analysis Network (ROMAN) included fuels information in a "one-stop shopping" database geared toward wildland fire business. As ROMAN took shape, several factors worked against the fuels component. Firstly, there was little information available about fuels collection and sampling readily available to the ROMAN development team. Secondly, there was little funding available beyond that used for development of the weather side of the database.

Over time, fuels sampling data became available to Predictive Services. Unfortunately, the data arrived in multiple formats - spreadsheets, web pages, Portable Document Format (pdf), lists and others - which were difficult to synthesize in a coherent fashion. In Fall, 2005, BLM Utah fuels specialists and Eastern Great Basin (EGB) Predictive Services meteorologists collaborated to develop a means of displaying data in a standard format that would facilitate analysis and comparison. In Spring, 2006, EGB introduced the EGB Fuel Moisture Database.

During the busy fire season in central Idaho, the EGB database became an indispensable tool for fire behavior specialists working fires in the area. When the Predictive Services meteorologists from all the Geographic Area Coordination Centers gather in November 2006, they agreed to develop a national database formulated on the EGB model.

The NFMD is the result. With its connection to ROMAN, the "one-stop shopping" loop is complete.

Access to NFMD

NFMD is available to anyone with an internet connection who needs or is just curious about fuels and fuel moisture information. To add data to the database, a password is required and can be obtained through the administrator at each Geographic Area Coordination Center.

Additional Information

For additional information about NFMD, contact your Geographic Area Predictive Services Unit.