Assessment of fire danger vulnerability using McArthur’s forest and grass fire danger indices

McArthur's fire danger index (FDI) is an integrated measure of the risk of fire occurrence, spreading speed and containment difficulty. The climatic parameter-dependent McArthur forest and grass fire danger indices were used to categorize fire danger severity. This paper explored the characteristics of four different climatic stations in Victoria, Australia, to determine their spatial and temporal variations impacting FDIs and the risk of fire occurrence. Sensitivity analysis was performed to develop nomograms to relate the variation of FDIs with key climatic parameters. These nomograms combine temperature, relative humidity and wind speed to determine fire risk categories in assisting field-based emergency and fire management authorities to identify danger and response plans to mitigate risks by mobilizing human and mechanical resources.