By displaying weather data spatially, the Fire Weather Forecast Explorer revolutionised the way fire fighting agencies in NSW viewed fire weather forecasts. The spatial display of weather forecasts was able to provide greater resolution to fire weather in the landscape and facilitated more accurate forecasting of fire danger across the state.

In April 2013, the existing Fire Weather Forecast Explorer (FWFE) hosted by the Bureau of Meteorology ceased operation. In response, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) collaborated with NSW National Parks, Forestry Corporation, Fire and Rescue NSW and ACT Rural Fire Service to create the Fire Weather Portal.

The NSW and ACT Fire Weather Portal improved on the FWFE by creating a modularised system to provide specific fire weather services to NSW and ACT fire fighting agencies. The Portal not only has the ability to display forecasts, but also incorporates fire weather observations and specific fire weather products tailored to meet the needs for NSW and ACT firefighting agencies.

The Portal has the ability to be tailored to incorporate data for other states and territories. This presentation discusses the Portal and the impact that spatial weather has had on the NSW RFS. A visual demonstration of the Fire Weather Portal will also be provided.