i_wmrc_2017a_2017-10-27t09:46:04z5 Hearing Summary

Date: 10/27/2017

Location: SCR 352

11:59 AM -- Fire Prediction and NCAR Technology



Brad Schmidt provided an overview of the Colorado Fire Prediction System (CO-FPS). He also discussed the collaboration with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Mr. Schmidt provided examples of simulations for predicting the movements of wildfires.



Mr. Schmidt spoke on the schedule and budget for the fire prediction system. He said that the system is moving beyond academic studies to assist fire managers. He said that the system is on a year five in the schedule to provide data and information for wildfire managers and local governments.



12:08 PM -- Barbara Brown, NCAR, provided an overview of the CAWFE system to produce forecasts for wildfire spreads and management support. She spoke on the importance of weather forecasting systems for aiding wildfires, including forecast models that predict 18 hours of wildfire activity.



Mr. Schimidt discussed a stakeholder committee that has met since 2015 and includes wildland fire managers from around the state. The committee has access to use the current version of the model and has made recommendations to improve the system. He also spoke on the long term vision for the CO-FPS tool and collaboration with the Colorado Forest Service for fuels data.



12:24 PM



Mr. Schmidt discussed the user interface and simulations available. He discussed the analysis available from the data collected.



Representative Kraft-Tharp came to the table to provide background information on the Colorado Fire Prediction System.



Mr. Schmidt answered questions from the committee regarding the timeline for completion. He discussed why the timeline was extended to five years to meet the need of the initial request.



Director Morgan spoke on the importance of collecting data and providing forecasts for fire managers. He answered questions about the benefit of the system to Colorado.



12:35 PM



Mr. Schmidt answered questions from the committee regarding the use of the data and availability of providing information to stakeholders during wildfire incidents.



Director Morgan answered questions from the committee regarding the use of the data as a tool. He said that the technology still needs development.



Ms. Brown answered questions from the committee regarding the collection of data and research. She said that it is important to have a development process to validate the system and provide the most useful information available.



Representative Kraft-Tharp spoke on the operational process for wildfire utilization process.



12:45 PM



Mr. Schmidt answered questions from the committee regarding the use of the data and input from stakeholders.