Learning Objectives

S-211: Fire Weather and Environment – Prescribed Fire Edition provides a practical foundation in fire weather principles to support safe and effective prescribed burning. Designed for fire practitioners, planners, and land stewards, this course focuses on interpreting weather conditions, predicting fire behavior, and making informed go/no-go decisions. Through clear examples and visual tools, students will build confidence in applying fire weather knowledge in real-world prescribed fire operations. Self-paced, online, 6-7 hours to complete.

  • Describe how temperature, relative humidity, wind, and atmospheric stability influence fire behavior.

  • Interpret fire weather forecasts and spot forecasts for prescribed fire planning.

  • Recognize local wind patterns, slope effects, and topographic influences on fire movement.

  • Identify fuel moisture trends and their relationship to atmospheric conditions.

  • Apply fire weather knowledge to ignition timing, holding strategies, and safety assessments during prescribed burns.

What to Expect

Some lessons in this course use an avatars, a tool that keeps training accessible, affordable, and easy to update for those studying between shifts, travelling, or working through a busy fire season. The focus is on practical, applied learning that connects directly to prescribed fire. You’ll see concepts explained visually through avatars, alongside real examples, case studies, and field footage (most I’ve been involved with). This mix keeps the learning experience grounded, credible, and useful, helping you build the knowledge and confidence to apply what you learn to your work and studies.