FWAS–Fire Weather Alert System

USDA Forest Service

About this app

Many firefighters have been entrapped due to rapid changes in weather causing unexpected fire behavior. These weather events are often predictable using local weather measurements and forecasts, but on-the-ground firefighters have historically lacked access to this information. The Fire Weather Alert System provides this access. It monitors nearby weather observations and forecasts to warn firefighters of dangerous incoming weather and provides convenient map-based access to fire-specific weather information (RAWS, NWS zone fire weather forecasts, NEXRAD radar data, etc.).
GET CUSTOM WEATHER ALERTS
• Get custom weather alerts when wind speed, wind gust, relative humidity, air temperature, and precipitation exceed your set thresholds.
• RAWS/ASOS stations and short-term forecasts (HRRR model) are monitored.
• Designate the watch area for your fire.
• Alerts broadcast using in-app messages, text, and/or email.
VIEW RAWS DATA
• Select weather stations from a map and view data in graph and tabular form.
• Access RAWS, iRAWS, ASOS, and other station networks.
VIEW SATELLITE HOTSPOTS
• Display VIIRS and MODIS hotspots on the map.
VIEW INCIDENT LOCATIONS AND FIRE PERIMETERS
• View incident name, type, size, and most recent perimeter (including smaller IA fires).
VIEW NWS WATCHES, WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES
• See National Weather Service Active Alerts on the map and read the text.
• Monitor Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather Watches, Wind Advisories, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, etc.
ACCESS ZONE FIRE WEATHER FORECASTS
• Access and read your local fire weather forecast.
• See fire weather zone names and boundaries on the map.
MONITOR APPROACHING STORMS WITH NEXRAD RADAR
• Display animated radar data on the map.

Ratings and reviews

App looks fantastic, but won't let you use it without registering. Now, wait -- I don't mind handing over my email address, or even creating a password, but there is no need to turn over my real name, address, or any personally identifiable information. Uninstalling.

definitely needs some user interface updates but this app has some good potential. we need more information on fires and lightning strikes.

Maps where fire is

What’s new

Fixes included in this release:
• Incident layer now refreshing automatically
• Basemap caching corrected
• Caching user's map location
• Improvements to Lightning Alerts
• Improvements to WW&A
• Intermittent log out message when switching tabs