Developing a post-processor to link the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) and the Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS)

In this project, we developed a Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS, JFSP Project #) post-processor (FVS2FCCS) to convert FVS simulated treelist and surface fuel data into Fuel Characteristics Classification System (FCCS, JFSP Project #98-1-1-06) fuelbed format (.xml) that can be read and processed by the FCCS to create estimates of surface fire behavior, including reaction intensity (Btu ft-2 min-1 or kJ m2), rate-of-spread (ft min-1 or m min-1), and flame length (ft or m). Post-processors are programs that extend FVS modeling, reporting, and display capabilities. Our post-processor allows forest and resource managers to combine FVS simulated fuelbed characteristics (tree canopy data, dead woody fuel loadings) with information about shrubs and herbaceous stand components to build FCCS fuelbeds. This tool allows managers to conduct fire hazard assessments and explore “How do changes in shrub and herbaceous vegetation affect potential fire behavior and fire effects?” Managers can compare potential reaction intensity, rate-of-spread, and flame lengths to estimates of these metrics that are generated by other fire behavior models (e.g., BEHAVE).