Description: This spatial dataset was produced with the Wildfire Exposure Simulation Tool (WildEST), a cloud-based geospatial fire behavior characteristic simulation system. WildEST performs multiple deterministic simulations under a range of weather types (wind speed, wind direction, fuel moisture content) and weights those results based on weather type probabilities (WTP).This dataset is a raster representing Suppression Difficulty Index (SDI) across the project area. Wildfire Suppression Difficulty Index is a quantitative rating of relative difficulty in performing fire control work. SDI factors in topography, fuels, expected fire behavior under severe fire weather conditions, firefighter line production rates in various fuel types, and accessibility (distance from roads/trails) to assess relative suppression difficulty.Additional information on the SDI can be found in the following references:Rodriguez y Silva, F.; O'Connor, C.D.; Thompson, M.P.; Molina, J.R.; Calkin, D.E. 2020. Modeling Suppression Difficulty: Current and Future Applications. International Journal of Wildland Fire 29(8), 739-751; doi: 10.1071/WF19042O'Connor, C.D., Thompson, M.P., Rodriguez y Silva, F. 2016. Getting ahead of the wildfire problem: quantifying and mapping management challenges and opportunities. Geosciences, 6(3), 35; doi: 10.3390/geosciences6030035Rodríguez y Silva, F, Martínez, JRM, González-Cabán, A. 2014. A methodology for determining operational priorities for prevention and suppression of wildland fires. International Journal of Wildland Fire 24(3), 544-554; doi: 10.1071/WF13063
Copyright Text: Primary data contact: Texas A&M Forest Service, Forest Resource Protection Division, Applied Technology Department. Send an email to TxWRAP-Support@tfs.tamu.edu for inquires. Visit www.TexasWildfireRisk.com for additional information.
This dataset was developed for the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment by Pyrologix LLC (www.pyrologix.com), a subsidiary of Vibrant Planet (www.vibrantplanet.net).