Comparing methods of predicting Jack pine slash moisture

Moisture contents of fine fuels, litter, and duff from jack pine slash were recorded for three summers and compared with meteorological elements, the United States National Fire-Danger Rating System (NFDRS) roundwood moisture models, and the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) litter and duff moisture models. Predictions from the FWI models and some meteorological elements were superior to the NFDRS models for every fuel tested. It appears that the FWI models are well suited to moist climates, whereas the NFDRS models work better under dry conditions.