Part 2/9:
For over five decades, the primary tool for predicting fire spread has been the Rothermel model—a theoretical construct developed in the early 1970s. While revolutionary at the time, this model was never designed to fully explain the mechanics of fire propagation; instead, it provides a practical but limited estimate to guide firefighting efforts. As fire behavior evolves due to climate change, land management practices, and increased intensity of wildfires, the antiquated model struggles to meet current challenges.