Kestrel Adds Vapor Pressure Deficit to the Kestrel 5500FW: Advancing Fire Weather Science

December 12, 2024 Monica Devlin Comments

Kestrel Instruments is committed to equipping firefighters and researchers with the tools they need to monitor and respond to the complex dynamics of fire weather. That's why we're introducing the addition of Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) measurement to the Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter.

What is Vapor Pressure Deficit?

VPD is an essential metric in fire weather science, quantifying the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the amount it can hold at saturation. In simpler terms, VPD indicates the atmosphere's drying power—a critical factor in understanding how quickly vegetation loses moisture and becomes susceptible to ignition and fire spread. While this measurement has been primarily used in research and educational contexts, its inclusion in the Kestrel 5500FW and the Kestrel Fire Weather Kit makes this powerful tool accessible to wildland firefighting professionals, particularly during controlled burns and in real-time field scenarios.

Why is VPD Important for Wildland Firefighting?

Fuel moisture (FM) is a cornerstone of wildfire management, influencing fire behavior predictions, planning, and response strategies. Traditional FM measurements involve labor-intensive processes, such as collecting vegetation samples, sealing them for transport, and conducting oven-drying tests to determine moisture levels. By incorporating VPD, researchers and fire professionals can now estimate FM levels more efficiently, potentially replacing these time-consuming methods with real-time, field-based data.

VPD is particularly valuable during controlled burns, where precision and predictability are paramount. By measuring the drying power of the atmosphere on-site, burn managers can better assess conditions and adjust their strategies for optimal safety and effectiveness.

What's New with the Kestrel 5500FW?

With the new VPD feature, the Kestrel 5500FW expands its utility beyond its already robust capabilities. It still provides comprehensive weather monitoring for temperature, humidity, wind speed, barometric pressure, and more - but now includes this advanced measurement, helping users stay at the forefront of fire weather science.

Additionally, the Kestrel 5500FW is part of our Fire Weather Kit, a bundle designed specifically for wildland firefighters. This kit includes everything you need to monitor environmental conditions and make informed decisions in the field. Learn more about the Kestrel Fire Weather Kit.

We invite you to explore how this new feature can enhance your fieldwork. For a closer look at the Kestrel 5500FW and its VPD functionality, check out this video below that has a helpful explanation at the 7:14 mark:

Watch the Video

Video courtesy of The World Of Wildland Fire (WETC)

With the addition of VPD, Kestrel Instruments is proud to support fire weather professionals and researchers as they work to protect communities and ecosystems. As always, our mission is to provide accurate, reliable tools that empower you to perform your critical work with confidence.

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Monica Devlin