The effect of meteorological conditions on major fires in the Riverina (New South Wales) district

The effects of atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and the preceding rainfall on the incidence of major fires in the Riverina are discussed. Data is so selected that the effects of non-meteorological factors are kept to a minimum and thus may be neglected. Results of earlier investigations in the United States of America are considered. notably the influence of the stability and wind structure in the lower troposphere on convection and fire behavior. The absence of observations of upper air temperatures prohibit the study of these factors. Conclusions are drawn regarding the relative importance of the selected surface meteoro logical conditions in determining whether or not a fire will develop into a major conflagration. A forecasting aid is suggested whereby it is possible, from forecasts of the above surface meteorological conditions, to assess the likelihood of major fires developing in flat country where there is ample fuel in a fully cured condition.