Ember Load Index

This ember load dataset represents the ember load index (ELI) per pixel, for a given pixel, based on surface and canopy fuel characteristics, climate, and topography within the pixel. The Ember Load Index (ELI) incorporates burn probability (BP). BP is incorporated into calculations of the ember production before the distribution of embers across the landscape to determine ember load. Given that ELI incorporates burn probability, this index can be used to identify where on the landscape hardening buildings may be needed to resist ignition and the priority for doing so according to the likelihood of the area being visited by fire.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Version Version 5.0
Last Updated March 28, 2025, 08:35 (UTC)
Created March 7, 2025, 07:52 (UTC)
category /Fire Adapted Communities/Hazard
collection_name California Landscape Metrics
creation_method ELI is not simply the multiplication of ember load and burn probability (BP). Rather, BP is incorporated into calculations of the ember production prior to the distribution of embers across the landscape to determine ember load. ELI is based on heading-only fire behavior.
data_units Relative number of embers.
data_vintage 12/2022
date_updated August 2024
element Hazard
encoding utf8
file_name EmberLoadIndex_202212_202406_T1_v5
format GeoTiff
harvest_object_id 39a8bcfe-ae61-4669-98f5-1a9a8ce86c94
harvest_source_id a2637971-af12-457f-ae4a-831d2202a539
harvest_source_title WIFIRE Commons
maximum_value 14.9
metric_definition_and_relevance This ember load dataset represents the ember load index (ELI) per pixel, for a given pixel, based on surface and canopy fuel characteristics, climate, and topography within the pixel. The Ember Load Index (ELI) incorporates burn probability (BP). BP is incorporated into calculations of the ember production before the distribution of embers across the landscape to determine ember load. Given that ELI incorporates burn probability, this index can be used to identify where on the landscape hardening buildings may be needed to resist ignition and the priority for doing so according to the likelihood of the area being visited by fire.
minimum_value 0.0
pillar Fire Adapted Communities
spatial {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[-124.50922845228209, 32.424122563317525], [-113.4935694641849, 32.424122563317525], [-113.4935694641849, 42.11210786219479], [-124.50922845228209, 42.11210786219479], [-124.50922845228209, 32.424122563317525]]]}
tier 1