How to Be Fire Behavior Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 13, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Wildfires are a major cause of destruction and loss of property. One of the primary methods of managing them is through the use of Fire Behavior Analysts. Fire Behavior Analysts are professionals who use scientific principles to study how fires start, spread and behave in an environment.

They use this knowledge to make informed decisions about the best ways to prevent, suppress and manage fires. Through this analysis, they can help identify the right strategies to prevent a disaster, as well as to contain and mitigate the damage once a fire has started. In addition, Fire Behavior Analysts also use their knowledge of weather, topography and fuel conditions to forecast the potential spread and intensity of fires.

By understanding these conditions, Fire Behavior Analysts can develop effective strategies for managing fires and protecting people and property.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Earn at least a bachelor's degree in fire science, forestry, or a related field. This should include courses in fire ecology, fire behavior, and meteorology.
Gain Professional Experience. Obtain professional experience as a wildland firefighter or through related roles in fire management, such as fire engine operator, prescribed fire specialist, or fuels management specialist.
Become Certified. Become certified as a Fire Behavior Analyst (FBA) by passing the FBA examination, which is administered by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
Consider Graduate Education. Consider pursuing a master's degree in Fire Science, Forestry or a related field. This may help to improve job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
Maintain Certification. Renew certification every three years by taking continuing education courses and passing the FBA exam again.

The ability to be a reliable and competent Fire Behavior Analyst requires a strong knowledge of fire science, an understanding of the behavior and dynamics of fire, and the ability to accurately assess complex situations. Fire behavior analysts must possess technical skills in the areas of fire investigation, fire suppression, and fire analysis. They must also have excellent communication skills and be able to effectively interact with firefighters, emergency personnel, and other individuals involved in the incident.

an understanding of the interrelationships between the environment, weather conditions, and fuel load must be developed in order to accurately analyze the behavior of a fire. Lastly, Fire Behavior Analysts must continuously stay up to date on the latest fire science research and developments in order to ensure they are providing the most accurate and reliable assessments.

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Job Description

Develop and maintain fire behavior prediction models for wildland and urban interface fires.
Utilize satellite imagery, digital elevation models and other data sources to analyze fire behavior.
Collect and analyze historical fire data to inform predictive models.
Estimate potential fire behavior in response to changing weather conditions.
Provide fire behavior guidance to incident commanders at wildland and urban interface fires.
Develop and implement fuel management strategies to reduce the risk of wildland and urban interface fires.
Develop and implement training programs for wildland fire personnel in the use of fire behavior prediction models.
Provide technical advice to incident commanders on fire behavior, fuel management, and risk reduction strategies.
Create reports summarizing the fire behavior predictions and the associated risk factors.
Monitor fire activity in a given region, providing early warning of potential danger to property and people.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of fire science and fire behavior
Understanding of physics, chemistry, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, meteorology, and fire ecology
Ability to understand and interpret fire behavior models
Ability to analyze data to identify patterns and trends
Ability to identify potential safety hazards
Knowledge of fire suppression strategies and tactics
Proficiency in geographic information system (GIS) software
Understanding of fuel management strategies and tactics
Ability to apply mathematical and statistical methods to fire behavior analysis
Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders

A Fire Behavior Analyst is a highly trained professional who is responsible for assessing and predicting how wildland fires will behave. This skill requires a detailed understanding of how fire spreads, how it interacts with the environment, and how certain weather conditions may affect the fire's behavior. In order to be successful in this role, analysts must possess a variety of skills including knowledge of topography, wind patterns, air temperature, moisture levels, fuel types, and the terrain in which fires occur.

communication and problem-solving skills are essential in order to coordinate with other stakeholders in the firefighting process. By combining an understanding of fire behavior with an understanding of the environment, a Fire Behavior Analyst can provide crucial information to help firefighters anticipate and manage the spread of wildland fires.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in conducting fire behavior assessments?
How do you stay current on new fire behavior analysis methods and technologies?
What challenges have you faced in developing and implementing fire behavior models?
How would you go about assessing the risks associated with a particular landscape or environment?
Describe a time when you had to adjust your fire behavior analysis approach in order to accommodate new data or information.
What techniques do you use to effectively communicate your fire behavior analysis findings?
What methods do you use to monitor and evaluate the accuracy of your fire behavior analysis?
Describe a project where you had to work closely with other professionals, such as fire fighters or foresters, to complete a fire behavior analysis.
Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision while conducting a fire behavior analysis.
How would you go about educating stakeholders on the importance of proper fire prevention and control measures?

Common Tools in Industry

Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). A computational fluid dynamics program designed to simulate the physical behavior of fire and smoke. Example: FDS can be used to predict smoke flow and combustion in a fire-prone environment.
Fire Spread Modeling Software. Software that is used to simulate the spread of flaming and smoldering fires in various scenarios. Example: Fire spread modeling software can be used to predict the spread of a wildfire and its potential effects on surrounding areas.
Fire Risk Analysis Software. Software designed to identify and analyze potential fire risks. Example: Fire risk analysis software can be used to identify vulnerable areas, evaluate fire safety measures, and develop a plan of action for reducing the risk of fire.
Fire Hazard Assessment Software. Software that can be used to assess the hazard of a potential fire. Example: Fire hazard assessment software can be used to evaluate the ignition, propagation, and suppression of fires in different environments.
Fire Investigation Software. Software used to recreate and analyze a fire scene for the purpose of determining the cause and origin of the fire. Example: Fire investigation software can be used to reconstruct a fire scene to determine the source of ignition, fuel sources, and development of a fire.

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF)
Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Association of State Fire Marshals (AASFM)
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA)
National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)

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Common Important Terms

Wildfire. A large, destructive fire that spreads quickly through an area of land, usually caused by dry vegetation or extreme weather conditions.
Fire Suppression. The process of controlling and extinguishing a fire.
Fire Management. The practice of controlling and preventing the spread of fire in a given area.
Fire Line. A natural or man-made barrier used to contain a fire.
Fire Weather. The environmental conditions that influence the behavior of a fire, such as wind, humidity, and temperature.
Fire Behavior Modeling. The use of computer simulations to predict how a fire will spread in different weather conditions.
Fire Ignition. The process by which a fire begins, usually because of a spark or flame.
Fire Spread. The rate at which a fire moves through an area, often determined by the amount of fuel and weather conditions.
Fire Dynamics. The physical aspects of fire, including the heat transfer and chemical reactions that occur during combustion.
Fire Ecology. The study of how fires interact with their environment, including plants, animals, and humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Fire Behavior Analyst? A1: A Fire Behavior Analyst is a professional who specializes in analyzing the behavior of fire in order to identify risk factors and develop strategies for mitigating them. They use fire science, engineering and other disciplines to assess and model the behavior of a fire and the potential for damage to property and life. Q2: What qualifications are required to become a Fire Behavior Analyst? A2: A Fire Behavior Analyst must be certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and have at least a Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Engineering or a related field. They must also possess extensive knowledge of fire dynamics, fire science principles, and fire safety regulations. Q3: How much does a Fire Behavior Analyst typically earn? A3: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Fire Behavior Analysts in May 2019 was $72,690. Q4: What areas do Fire Behavior Analysts typically work in? A4: Fire Behavior Analysts typically work in areas such as engineering, architecture, construction, fire safety, and emergency management. They are often employed by government agencies, fire departments, consulting firms, insurance companies, universities, and research institutions. Q5: What type of work does a Fire Behavior Analyst typically do? A5: A Fire Behavior Analyst typically conducts research and analysis on the behavior of fires and fire hazards, develops strategies for mitigating risks, and provides recommendations on fire safety policies and protocols. They may also be involved in teaching, training, and public education on fire safety topics.