Atmospheric Stability, Winds, and Clouds

Summary

Surface winds, temperature, and relative humidity are the most commonly considered and easy to measure elements in the fire environment. Less obvious, but equally important, is atmospheric stability, and related vertical air movements that influence fire behavior

Objectives

• Describe atmospheric stability and discuss the effects on fire behavior.

• Describe wind and its effects on fire behavior.

• Explain cloud classifications and their impact on fire behavior.

• Explain the similarities between smoke layers and clouds in relation to impact on fire behavior.