The devastation that can accompany summer wildfires is well known to Californians. Although autumn has officially arrived, many areas of the country remain actively engaged in battles to subdue one of nature's most powerful forces. Wildfires, many ignited by summer thunderstorms, have been particularly problematic for portions of the Great Basin and northern Rockies where, by the start of September, nearly 30 large wildfires were still burning out of control.

When large wildfires erupt, the necessity for timely and accurate weather information becomes critical to aid fire crews attempting to suppress rapidly advancing flames. To assist suppression efforts and help protect life and property, the NWS deploys special "incident" meteorologists (or IMETs) who work in the field alongside fire agencies. IMETs often spend weeks onsite preparing detailed weather forecasts tailored to the unique terrain in which a fire is burning. IMETs also maintain a vigilant weather watch over the fire area keeping crews informed of shifting winds, approaching thunderstorms, or any weather phenomena that can threaten firefighter safety.

Employing the latest in computer and satellite technology, Hanford IMET Cindy Bean was dispatched to the Robert Fire in northern Montana on August 5th. The fire erupted on July 24th and quickly consumed tens of thousands of acres in Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest. After replacing onsite IMET Tom Wright, Cindy jumped into the heat of battle keeping fire crews informed of weather changes that might affect the fire's rate and direction of spread. The first few days were especially challenging since thunderstorms and gusty outflow winds provided an almost daily threat to the fire.

August 10th proved particularly troublesome as gusty winds, low relative humidities, and dry fuels provided the right environment for explosive fire growth. The NWS issued "Red Flag Warnings" for the fire area alerting fire agencies and crews of the potentially dangerous situation. Indeed, gusty winds allowed the fire to increase almost 13,000 acres with advancing flames jumping containment lines and forcing the retreat of some fire crews.

By the time Cindy was replaced by IMET Greg Meffert on August 18th, the Robert Fire had grown to over 42,000 acres with full containment not anticipated until mid September.

Underscoring the severity of the current fire season in many portions of the West, the month of September began with over 20 IMETs still deployed in the field. On September 19th Cindy herself was dispatched to yet another fire burning in the Humboldt National Forest in northern California. With crews struggling to gain the upper hand on the wind driven flames, Cindy once again headed to the field to provide onsite support to aide in the suppression efforts.

With autumn rains yet to appear on the horizon, dry grass and timber will keep fire season alive in many areas for weeks to come. As a result, Cindy and fellow IMETs will continue heading to the field at a moment's notice, using the latest technology to keep the public and fire crews informed of changing weather patterns and threats to life or property.