With the wildfire season upon the USA and the recent high temperatures and tragic loss of life, the question of how meterology might help arises. Enter the Incident Meteorologist, or IMET.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) trains meteorologists to work closely with fire control specialists from the Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management and other state and local fire agencies.
IMETs use computers to access information from local and national NWS offices. Surface observations, upper air observations, Doppler Radar, and weather satellite pictures are used to make specialized forecasts. Daily coordination calls are used to discuss forecasts with local NWS offices and other IMETs that may be working other fires in the area.
There are less than a hundred IMETs employed by NWS and during the fire season they are sent to remote locations to support wildfire operations. They receive specialist training in microscale forecasting, fire behaviour and fire suppression, making them key members of fire fighting teams.
FireRAWS are portable weather stations that continuously measure temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction. These units also include observations of fuel temperature, fuel moisture, solar radiation and precipitation. In addition, the upgraded units include GOES satellite communication capability so the data reports can be accessed via the Internet. The FireRAWS are placed in a safe location near the fire to provide the IMETS with reliable and continuous weather information. Field observers also take weather readings on the fire line. This helps in understanding how topography influences the weather.
The IMETs are invaluable when it comes to preparing the critical forecasts needed for fire suppression and planned burning projects. Sometimes, as with the Smoke Jumpers of Washington State, fires are started deliberately in order to manage forests, or create breaks. One of the most important tools of an IMET is the All-hazard Meteorological Response System (AMRS), which enables forecasters to stay at the command post and provide immediate support to the firefighters.
IMETs will receive training in mesoscale?(large-scale) and?microscale?(the smallest) weather systems. Mesoscale phenomena include thunderstorms and squall lines, while microscale events could include air turbulence and dust storms.
IMETs live in fire camp just like the rest of the firefighters. ?Smoke can be seen billowing from the fire in the background.
Another part of the training for IMETs includes rapid deployment with portable forecast equipment. Forecasters set up their units near fire lines and can help provide the information that enables fire managers to decide where to move fire crews, how to plan tactics and ensure the safety of the public and the firefighters
IMETs will normally provide weather forecasts at the morning and evening fire crew briefings and also the strategy meetings for each shift.
With about 100,000 wildfires every year, their role in supporting the fire crews is vital.
Images and Information Courtesy of the US National Weather Service
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