Haines Index Calculator

Haines Index Calculator calculator can be used to determine wildfire potential based on atmospheric conditions using the Haines Index, which combines temperature and dew point to create a numerical rating of fire danger.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Haines Index Result

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Calculation Formula

Haines Index = round((Temperature - Dew Point) / 5)

Where:
- Temperature is the current air temperature in Celsius
- Dew Point is the current dew point temperature in Celsius
- The result is rounded to the nearest integer between 0-6

Haines Index Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Haines Index Calculator calculator and its working principles for wildfire risk assessment

Haines Index Overview

The Haines Index, developed by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), is a simple but effective tool for assessing wildfire potential. It combines two key atmospheric factors:

  • Temperature: Warmer air can hold more moisture and contributes to drier fuels.
  • Dew Point: A lower dew point indicates drier air, which increases fire danger.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the current temperature in degrees Celsius.
  2. Enter the current dew point temperature in degrees Celsius.
  3. Click the "Calculate" button to determine the Haines Index value.
  4. Review the calculated risk level based on the index value.

Haines Index Values and Risk Levels

Haines Index values range from 0 to 6, with each increment representing an increase in wildfire potential:

Index Risk Level Description
0 Minimal Minimal fire danger
1 Low Low fire danger
2 Moderate Moderate fire danger
3 High High fire danger
4 Very High Very high fire danger
5 Extreme Extreme fire danger
6 Catastrophic Catastrophic fire danger

Important Notes

The Haines Index provides a relative measure of fire danger based on atmospheric conditions. It does not account for other important factors such as fuel type, slope, wind conditions, or current fire weather watches. Always consult with local fire management authorities for comprehensive wildfire risk assessments.