Boothwyn, PA - December 16, 2024
Kestrel Instruments, a leader in rugged environmental monitoring tools, is proud to announce the addition of Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) measurement to the Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter. This enhancement reflects Kestrel's commitment to advancing fire weather science and supporting professionals in wildland firefighting and fire weather research.
VPD measures the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the amount it can hold at saturation. This metric provides critical insight into the atmosphere's drying power, a key factor in determining fuel moisture (FM) levels. With FM being a cornerstone of wildfire management, the ability to estimate it in the field without time-consuming lab tests represents a significant advancement.
Traditionally, FM measurements involve collecting vegetation samples, transporting them for testing, and oven-drying them to determine moisture content. With VPD, fire professionals can estimate these values on-site, providing immediate insights to inform decisions during controlled burns or wildfire response.
The new VPD feature enhances the Kestrel 5500FW's robust suite of weather monitoring capabilities, which include measurements for temperature, humidity, wind speed, and barometric pressure. For wildland firefighters, the meter is also available in the Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Kit, which includes essential accessories to ensure accurate environmental monitoring in demanding field conditions.
Supporting Fire Weather Science and Innovation
The addition of VPD aligns with Kestrel's mission to empower the scientific community and advance fire weather management practices. Researchers plan to use this new feature during controlled burns and anticipate publishing findings that could revolutionize FM modeling.
“We are honored to collaborate with the research community and provide the tools they need to push the boundaries of fire weather science,” Hutchinson added. “Our partnership with these experts ensures that Kestrel continues to lead in delivering innovative, field-ready solutions.”
To learn more about the Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter and the new VPD feature, visit kestrelinstruments.com.
About Kestrel Instruments
Kestrel Instruments, a division of Nielsen-Kellerman (NK), specializes in providing rugged, reliable weather and environmental monitoring tools trusted by professionals worldwide. With a focus on delivering actionable insights, Kestrel solutions are designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and decision-making in demanding industries, including wildland firefighting, agriculture, construction, and the military. Kestrel is also a leader in heat stress monitoring solutions, offering tools and resources to protect workers and athletes from heat-related risks, supported by educational initiatives through www.heatstress.com, a site dedicated to promoting awareness and research on heat safety.
About Nielsen-Kellerman (NK)
Nielsen-Kellerman (NK) is the parent company of a family of measuring and monitoring technology brands dedicated to delivering the precise data needed for safety, success, and innovation in professional, recreational, and research applications. NK's weather division includes Kestrel® Weather & Environmental Meters, KestrelMet® Weather Stations, Rainwise Rain Gauges, Ambient Weather® Stations, and PVMet Solar Monitoring Systems. Proudly manufacturing the majority of its products in the USA, NK is recognized for its commitment to Lean Manufacturing, exceptional workplace culture, and unparalleled product performance in extreme environments. For more information, visit www.nkhome.com.
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