13.0 Mr R D Spencer First semester 36 hours of lectures and 36 hours of practical work. On completion of this subject, students should have: a basic understanding of and competence in fire weather forecasting; an understanding of the principles of fire behaviours and of the bases of fire danger ratings; an understanding of the role and impact of fire in forested ecosystems; a knowledge of fire law and of the principles of fire protection and skills in planning and selecting appropriate strategies for fire protection. Fire weather Forecasting Climatic zones; weather systems; temperature moisture and wind effects. Weather forecasting, fire weather forecasting. Fire Behaviour Combustion processes and forest fuels. Effects of fuel, weather and topography on fire behaviour. Fire danger rating. Fire Ecology The effects of high and low intensity fires. Fire in forest management. Fire Control Principles of hazard reduction and suppression strategies. Fire law. Fire control objectives and cost-effective strategies. Logistic and operations considerations. A 3-hour written examination at the end of the course (70 per cent), one written assignment of up to 2,500 words and practical reports (30 per cent).