The Present Study

This analysis presents findings from a study initiated in 2005 through request from the National Predictive Services Group (NPSG), a group chartered under the National Fire and Aviation Executive Board (NFAEB) that provides oversight, leadership, and strategic direction to the Predictive Services program. The NPSG identified a user-needs assessment as one of its program-related goals, and they have played a central role in execution of the assessment. The assessment examines the Predictive Services program, which offers products and services through websites, briefings, and emails administered through the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCS). The main purpose of this service is to integrate climate, weather, situation, resources status, and fuels information into products that will enhance the ability of managers to make sound short- and long-term strategic planning and resource allocation decisions and to ensure the safety of firefighting and emergency personnel. Predictive Services is a multi-agency effort, with support from the USDA Forest Service, the USDI Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Weather Service. Products are aimed at the fire management community in each of these agencies as well as State and county agencies.

The NPSG requested assistance from the authors to conduct a user-needs assessment, to gain information toward improvement of current products and services, if necessary, and to identify additional products and services that might be offered. Evaluation results are more likely to be utilized if they directly address the information needs of decisionmakers (Patton 1986). Thus, the survey and sample were constructed in close collaboration with the NPSG in order to ensure the assessment met their needs. Respondents included fire management officers, fire weather meteorologists, suppression personnel, dispatchers, fire behavior analysts, fuels specialists, fire researchers, incident management team members, fire use team members, multiagency coordinators, aviation personnel, and public affairs personnel. Study findings may interest other agencies and individuals examining dimensions of risk management, including fire and threat information needs.