Forest Operations > Fire Safety > Fire Behaviour and Weather

Fire Behaviour and Weather

The weather has a significant impact on a fire’s behaviour – where it will go and how it will act.

When extreme weather conditions occur the fire is more likely to act in an extreme way (See Fig 46).

The three weather conditions that are ideal for big fires getting out of control are:

• Strong northerly winds;
• Hot temperatures;
• Low humidity.

Fig 46 Extreme fire.

On days when extreme weather is forecast, forest work may be restricted, and extra care needs to be taken to avoid any source of starting a fire.

Wind will affect the direction and speed that the fire will spread. The amount of fuel available will also affect the speed of the fire and how hot it burns.

Fires move very quickly, so you should never be in front of a fire, and never try to out run it.