The Initial Attack Assessment index (IAA) is a dynamic risk indicator that evaluates challenges faced by response teams during the first one to two hours after ignition. IAA is computed using automated and individual fire simulations with two indices: Fire Behavior Index (FBI) and Terrain Difficulty Index (TDI). The final IAA output has five categories (one to five); higher values indicate more active fire behavior, complex terrain, and greater likelihood of escaping initial attack, posing a potential threat.
IAA was designed by expert criteria and helps prepare resources for deployment. Its main advantage is ease of understanding for operational end-users.
