The Fire, Fuel, and Smoke Science Program (FFS) of the Rocky Mountain Research Station is located at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, Montana. The Program conducts international, cutting edge work in wildland fire research from fire physics to fire ecology. The Program performs work under its national charter to conduct fundamental and applied research relating to wildland fire processes, terrestrial and atmospheric effects of fire, and ecological adaptations to fire. In addition, the Program develops associated knowledge tools and applications for both managers and scientists.

The Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory staffs over 10 world renowned scientists in addition to wide-ranging and accomplished support personnel. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art burn chambers, comprehensive laboratory facilities, extensive computing resources, and novel field instrumentation which provide a unique environment to conduct innovative wildland fire research. Original research at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory includes: fire behavior prediction modeling, soil heating modeling and effects, landscape fire ecosystem dynamics, smoke emissions and dispersion modeling, and fire danger rating.

The Fire, Fuel, and Smoke Science Program activities are cross-cutting, with considerable integration among Focus Areas. The Program is organized within six Focus Areas:

1. Physical Fire Processes- We analyze the combustion process and the factors that determine fire behavior. Increased understanding of combustion helps managers and society anticipate:
   • potential for high intensity fire
   • initial fire effects
   • effects of fuel treatments
   • potential for los of life and destruction of property


2. Fuel Dynamics - Research on fuel dynamics helps managers describe the vegetation that burns during wildland fires. Improved information about fuels, including their patterns of change over space and time is used to:
   • predict seasonal and multi-year changes
   • more accurately predict fire behavior and fire effects


3. Smoke Emissions and Dispersion - We use filed observations, satellite data, and models to describe smoke's composition, its movement within a fire's heat plume, and its movement through the layers of atmosphere. This knowledge helps to better understand:
   • health concerns associated with smoke
   • carbon movement around the globe


4. Fire Ecology - This research contributes to improved conservation, restoration of burned areas, and appropriate ecological use of fire. Field and laboratory studies address these questions:
   • How do fires and fuel consumption affect plants and plant communities?
   • How do fires alter the flow of carbon and nutrients in ecosystems?
   • How do fires affect the potential for weeds to establish or increase?


5. Fire and Fuel Management Strategies - We use case studies, modeling, and understanding of ecology to develop fire and fuel management strategies. These tools help managers and planners to:
   • increase the ability of forests to respond to disturbance and climate change
   • reduce unplanned losses of forest cover and stored carbon to fire, insects, and disease


6. Science Synthesis and Delivery - Scientific publications form the foundation for science delivery. Synthesis of past research and integration of knowledge build on this foundation. From this science base the FFS Program provides:
   • computer programs and mentoring that help land managers apply research
   • classes, photo guides, field tours, training materials, and lab tours and presentations for adults and children
   • websites: www.firelab.org, www.fs.fed.us/fmi