The Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) synthesizes scientific knowledge about fire effects on organisms in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.

The system currently provides reviews of more than 1,000 plant taxa (including 170 invasive plants), more than 130 animal taxa, and 8 lichens. FEIS species reviews emphasize fire but also provide extensive information on the taxonomy, distribution, basic biology, ecology, and management of each species.

FEIS reviews are supplemented by summaries of approximately 100 fire research studies and prescribed fire case studies. These summaries provide detailed information on fire weather and fire behavior for each study, then describe fire effects on species reviewed in FEIS and also on hundreds of species not otherwise covered by FEIS.
FEIS staff accession literature for species reviews by searching scientific abstracts, literature databases, and tables of content from scientific journals, government publication lists, Dissertation abstracts, and other services. Current information is also sought from scientists and managers. Before publication, each review is edited by ecologists and bibliographic specialists for accuracy, completeness, quality of synthesis, and readability.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Jane Kapler Smith, Ecologist

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Provide up-to-date information about fire ecology and fire effects to managers by:

1. Summarizing and synthesizing scientific knowledge about individual species
2. Identifying knowledge gaps
3. Describing basis of information so readers can judge how to apply
4. Documenting statements so readers can obtain primary sources

PROJECT STATUS

As of January 2011, FEIS contained 1,100 species reviews covering 1,200 taxa. FEIS is dynamic, receiving frequent revisions and additions. A recently completed project provides extensive coverage of eastern invasive plant species.

FUNDING ORGANIZATIONS

Forest Service Fire & Aviation Management, Joint Fire Science Program, NWCG Fuels Management Committee

PUBLICATIONS

Smith, Jane Kapler. 2010. Fire effects information system: new engine, remodeled interior, added options. Fire management today. 70(1):44-47.

Smith, Jane Kapler; Howard, Janet; McWilliams, Jack. 2004. Focus on invasive plants in the Fire Effects Information System. In: Engstrom, R. T.; Galley, K. E. M.; de Groot, W. J., eds. Proceedings of the 22nd Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference: fire in temperate, boreal, and montane ecosystems; 2001 October 15-18; Kananaskis Village, Alberta, Canada. Tallahassee, FL: Tall Timbers Research Station: 137-140.

Anjozian, Lisa-Natalie. 2009. The Fire Effects Information System: How a superhero database comes to save the day. Fire science brief. Boise, ID: National Interagency Fire Center. Volume 42. 6 p.

Fischer, William C.; Miller, Melanie; Johnston, Cameron M.; Smith, Jane Kapler; Simmerman, Dennis G.; Brown, James K. 1996. Fire effects information system: user’s guide. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-327. Ogden, UT: U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 131 p.