The fuel moisture content of peat in relation to meteorological factors.

This paper gives a brief overview of the important factors relating to fuel properties and the propagation of fire in peatlands, and presents a case study combining monitoring and modelling of factors related to peat fuel moisture in relation to meteorological changes. The discussion relates to the direct and indirect environmental effects of peat fires, and the significance of the results presented here in this regard. We also discuss the validity of Met Office Fire Severity Index (MOFSI), which is an almost direct implementation of the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS), and the relevance of the results obtained to the development of the weather prediction system designed specifically for the British conditions.