Fire Potential Wind Index (FPWI) is a discrete fire danger metric, ranging from one to four (low to extreme).
FPWI extends the FPIC framework to specifically address utility operational needs, particularly for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) decision-making, recognizing that wind is a critical driver of both powerline-related ignitions and rapid fire spread. FPWI was trained on thousands of historical power line fires and is purpose-built for utility use.
FPWI captures extreme wildfire conditions by combining two metrics:
-
Wind gust percentiles
FPWI values are determined by the intersection of FPIC levels (1-5) and wind gust percentiles (0-100). The index design acknowledges that powerline fires often occur during the convergence of elevated fire danger conditions and extreme wind events.
