Weather Data

This graph shows the cumulative precipitation for 1995 and 1996, as compared to the cumulative 30-year average precipitation. Conditions of below-average precipitation began in October 1995.


 

At the time these fires started in February, we had record breaking high temperatures. The temperatures were in excess of 30 °C (97 °F). Fuel stick temperatures reached 35 °C (111 °F) on the first two days of the fire.

With the low rainfall, fuel stick moisture was below 10%. Gusting winds led to the spreading of fires into new areas each day. On February 23, wind gusts exceeded 50 km/hr (32 m/hr).

Although this was a cool season fire, it had many characteristics of a hot fire.