Predicting Behavior of the 1988 Yellowstone Fires: Projections versus Reality

Abstract

An account is presented of the initial longrange, 30-day, projections of fire growth of the wildfires in the Greater Yellow stone Area in 1988. The request for information, the method of prediction, and the actual fire growth are discussed and documented with maps. The difficulties and uncertainties of long-range fire prediction are discussed with suggestions for improving the process and comments on new research products available or being developed that could aid this process.