FARSITE automatically computes wildfire growth and behavior for long time periods under heterogeneous conditions of terrain, fuels, and weather. It uses existing fire behavior models for surface fire spread (Rothermel 1972), crown fire initiation (Van Wagner 1977), and crown fire spread (Rothermel 1991), post-frontal combustion (Albini and others 1995; Albini and Reinhardt 1995), and dead fuel moisture (Nelson 2000).
FARSITE is a deterministic modeling system, meaning that simulation results can be directly compared to inputs. This system can be used to simulate air and ground suppression actions as well as for fire "gaming," asking multiple "what-if" questions and comparing the results.
FARSITE produces outputs that are compatible with Windows® and Workstation (e.g., Linux) graphics and GIS (Geographic Information System) software for later analysis and display. Results can be easily combined to create animated GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) images of projected fire growth as demonstrated below. Additionally, outputs can be created in spatial, linear and tabular formats.
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