FUEL MODELS AND FIRE POTENTIAL FROM SATELLITE AND SURFACE OBSERVATIONS

A national 1-km resolution fire danger fuel model map was derived thro ugh use of previously mapped land cover classes and ecoregions, and ex tensive ground sample data, then refined through review by fire manage rs familiar with various portions of the U.S. The fuel model map will be used in the next generation fire danger rating system for the U.S., but it also made possible immediate development of a satellite and gr ound based fire potential index map. The inputs and algorithm of the f ire potential index are presented, along with a case study of the corr elation between the fire potential index and fire occurrence in Califo rnia and Nevada. Application of the fire potential index in the Medite rranean ecosystems of Spain, Chile, and Mexico will be tested.