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FIRE 0171 - Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior S-190

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/fire-0171/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 9 lecture Description: Wildland fire behavior factors important for understanding fire spread principles and applying safe and effective suppression techniques. Meets standards prescribed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and the CA Incident Command Certification System for S-190 certification. (not transferable) Units 0.5 Lecture-Discussion 9 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 9 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Examine the environmental factors of wildland fire behavior that affect the start and spread of wildland fire. Determine the three principal environmental elements affecting wildland behavior. Describe the effect relative humidity has on wildland fire. Evaluate four factors of topography that affect wildland fire behavior. Course Content Outline I. Fire Behavior Factors A. Fire Triangle B. Heat Transfer C. Fuels D. Weather E. Topography II. Fire Weather A. General Winds and Cold Fronts B. Thunderstorms and Local Winds C. Relative Humidity and Fuel Moisture D. Atmospheric Stability III. Indicators of Problem and Extreme Fire Behavior A. Problem Fire Behavior B. Extreme Fire Behavior C. Indicators Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Describe the three sides of the fire triangle. 2. Examine the environmental factors of wildland fire behavior that affect the start and spread of wildland fire. 3. Examine three methods of heat transfer. 4. Determine the three principal environmental elements affecting wildland fire behavior. 5. Analyze three factors of fuel that affect the start and spread of wildland fire. 6. Examine three factors of weather that affect fuel moisture. 7. Examine how wind affects wildland fire spread. 8. Describe how slope affects wildland fire spread. 9. Evaluate four factors of topography that affect wildland fire behavior. 10. List indicators of an approaching cold front and describe what wind changes to expect. 11. Compare three common foehn wind conditions and the areas in which they occur. 12. Identify a thunderstorm and describe how and when it is dangerous. 13. Diagram the daily cycle of slope and valley winds. 14. Describe the effect relative humidity has on wildland fire behavior. 15. Examine the wildland environment indicators that can produce problem and extreme fire behavior. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Reading Assignments 1. The students will read the material on heat transfer and then outline how this applies to wildland fires. 2. The students will read the material in the textbook on fire weather and then be prepared to discuss in class how a wildland fire may affect atmospheric stability. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Analyze a provided picture and explain what is happening in respect to wildland fire behavior. 2. Diagram the daily cycle of relative humidity and fuel moisture as it pertains to wildland fire conditions. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.