Which index represents the overall fire danger in the Fire Weather Index system?

• A. Fine Fuel Moisture Code
• B. Duff Moisture Code
• C. Fire Weather Index
• D. Initial Spread Index

Answer: (C)

Overall fire danger is represented by the Fire Weather Index. This single index combines how dry the fuels are, how weather and wind affect ignition and spread, and other fuel characteristics to reflect the potential fire behavior in a given situation. The other indices measure specific pieces of that picture: the Fine Fuel Moisture Code tracks moisture in fine fuels, the Duff Moisture Code looks at duff layer moisture, and the Initial Spread Index focuses on how fast a fire could begin to spread under current conditions. Because the Fire Weather Index brings these factors together into one overall rating, it best represents the general fire danger.