In Brief 

This dataset contains modelled daily data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) of fire danger using weather forecast from historical simulations provided by ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis. The fire danger model used to produce the dataset is publicly available Global ECMWF Fire forecast model (GEFF, ​https://git.ecmwf.int/projects/CEMSF/repos/geff/browse​). GEFF implements daily predictions of fire danger conditions based on the U.S. Forest Service National Fire-Danger Rating System (NFDRS), the Canadian Forest Service Fire Weather Index Rating System (FWI), and the Australian McArthur (Mark 5) rating systems. For every one of the three models several variables are provided for the period covered by ECMWF System 5 . The dataset is continued in time as System 5 weather forcings become available. However this is not a real time service and for any real time application the users should refer to EFFIS web site 

Fire danger variables descriptions

The Canadian Fire Weather index 

The Canadian

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Fire Weather Index

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(FWI)

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[​Adapted from: INTERPRETING THE CANADIAN FOREST FIRE WEATHER INDEX (FWI) SYSTEM By William J. De Groot av. at http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/WWW/FMD/WEATHER/Reference/FWI_Background.pdf​ ] The FWI System is comprised of six components (see fig 1 ): three fuel moisture codes and three fire behavior indexes. Each component has its own scale of relative values. Even though the scales for the six components are different, all are structured so that a high value indicates more severe burning conditions. The FWI System uses temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and 24-hr precipitation values measured at noon Local Standard Time (LST). These values are used to predict the peak burning conditions, assuming that the measured weather parameters follow a normal diurnal pattern.

is a system used in Canada to assess the potential risk and behavior of forest fires. It provides a numerical rating that indicates the relative ease of ignition and the potential intensity of fire spread in forest fuels. The FWI system incorporates various weather and fuel moisture measurements to generate indices that collectively describe the fire danger level. The purpose of the Canadian Fire Weather Index is to assist fire managers, fire behavior analysts, and meteorologists in making informed decisions regarding fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression strategies. It helps in allocating firefighting resources efficiently by identifying areas with high fire risk and potential fire behavior. There are various indices that are provided

a. Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC):
The FFMC represents the moisture content of surface organic materials, such as grasses, needles, and small twigs. It quantifies the ease of ignition and the flammability of fine fuels. The FFMC ranges from 0 to 101, where higher values indicate drier and more easily ignitable fuels.

b. Duff Moisture Code (DMC):
The DMC measures the moisture content of decomposed organic material beneath the surface layer. It represents the availability of fuel for smoldering fires. The DMC ranges from 0 to 1000, with higher values indicating drier conditions.

c. Drought Code (DC):
The DC quantifies the moisture content of deep, compact organic layers. It reflects the droughtiness of deep fuels and their potential for sustaining intense, high-severity fires. The DC ranges from 0 to 1000, with higher values indicating drier conditions.

d. Initial Spread Index (ISI):
The ISI estimates the potential rate of fire spread immediately after ignition. It considers wind speed and the FFMC. The ISI ranges from 0 to 50, with higher values indicating a faster fire spread potential.

e. Buildup Index (BUI):
The BUI represents the total amount of fuel available for combustion. It considers the DMC and DC. The BUI ranges from 0 to 1000, with higher values indicating a greater quantity of available fuel.

f. Fire Weather Index (FWI):
The FWI is the composite index that summarizes the overall fire danger. It combines the FFMC, DMC, and DC into a single value. The FWI ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating more severe fire weather conditions.

The Canadian Fire Weather Index values are calculated using complex mathematical equations based on observed weather data and fuel moisture codes. These calculations are typically automated using specialized software or online tools. The resulting numerical values can be interpreted as follows:

- FFMC, DMC, and DC values below 80 generally indicate low fire danger.
- FFMC, DMC, and DC values between 80 and 90 indicate moderate fire danger.
- FFMC, DMC, and DC values above 90 indicate high fire danger.
- ISI values above 10 indicate high potential for fire spread.
- BUI values above 40 indicate an increasing potential for large fires.
- FWI values above 30 indicate high fire danger conditions.

It is important to note that interpretation guidelines may vary based on regional standards and operational practices. Local fire management agencies may provide specific thresholds and guidelines for their respective areas.

The Canadian Fire Weather Index is used in a range of applications, including:

- Wildfire management and suppression: It helps fire managers assess the current and forecasted fire danger levels and allocate firefighting resources accordingly.
- Prescribed burning: The FWI assists in determining suitable conditions for conducting controlled burns, reducing the risk of unplanned wildfires.
- Fire danger rating: The FWI system aids in developing fire danger rating systems to inform the public, land managers, and emergency response agencies about the level of fire risk in a given area.

While the Canadian Fire Weather Index provides valuable information for assessing fire danger, it has certain limitations:

- It does not account for the presence of ignitions sources, such as lightning strikes or human activities.
- It does not incorporate topographic influences, which can significantly affect fire behavior.
- The accuracy of the FWI is dependent on the availability and quality of weather and fuel moisture data.

 References:
- Canadian Forest Service. (2018). Fire Weather Index System: User's Guide. Natural Resources Canada.

- Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS). (n.d.). Fire Weather Index System. Retrieved from [URL]The FWI System evaluates fuel moisture content and relative fire behavior using the past and present effect of weather on forest floor fuels. The three moisture codes represent the fuel moisture content of three classes of forest floor fuels in the “standard” mature pine stand (Fig. 2). The moisture codes calculate the net effect of a daily drying and wetting phase, similar to a bookkeeping system of moisture losses and additions.