Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC)
A numerical rating of the moisture content of litter and other cured fine fuels. This code is an indicator of the relevant ease of ignition and flammability of fine fuels.
Duff Moisture Code (DMC)
A numerical rating of the average moisture content of loosely compacted organic layers of moderate depth. This code gives an indication of fuel consumption in moderate duff layers and medium-size woody materials
Drought Code (DC)
A numerical rating of the average moisture content of deep, compact, organic layers. This code is a useful indicator of seasonal drought effects on forest fuels, and amount of smouldering in deep duff layers and large logs.
Initial Spread Index (ISI)
A numerical rating of the expected rate of fire spread. It combines the effects of wind and FFMC (Fine Fuel Moisture Code) on rate of spread without the influence of variable quantities of fuel.
Buildup Index (BUI)
A numerical rating of the total amount of fuel available for combustion that combines DMC (Duff Moisture Code) and DC (Drought Code).
Fire Weather Index (FWI)
A numerical rating of fire intensity that combines ISI (Initial Spread Index) and BUI (Buildup Index). It is suitable as a general index of fire danger throughout the forested and rural areas of New Zealand.
