The Balbi operational model, a simplified physical model for surface fires. Part I – modelling
Abstract
Background Previously published versions of the ‘Balbi model’ describing surface fire propagation consist of a set of equations based on simplified conservation laws. Their main equation calculating the fire rate of spread (ROS) relied on an iterative process to account for the effect of environmental drivers. Aims We formulated a new version of this model that considers a 3D flame front composed of peaks and troughs, integrates distinct radiation and convection heat transfer mechanisms, and outputs the physical characteristics of a flame front as they are influenced by weather, fuel and topographical conditions. A simpler operational version, composed of only one equation, is also exhibited. Methods While maintaining its characteristics (physics-oriented, fully predictive and faster than real time) from older versions, the global structure of the proposed model is changed to obtain a set of algebraic equations easy to solve and to code. Key results We described the model and provided an analysis of model response to key environmental variables. Model evaluation against independent data is provided in a companion paper. Conclusions A simplified physical propagation model for surface fires has been exhibited. Implications The algebraic nature of the model’s equations makes it suitable to incorporate into fire management decision-making tools to support suppression activities.
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BibTeX
@article{balbi2026balbi,
title = {{The Balbi operational model, a simplified physical model for surface fires. Part I – modelling}},
author = {Jacques Henri Balbi and François-Joseph Chatelon and Miguel Cruz and Thierry Marcelli and Sofiane Meradji and Dominique Morvan and Jean Louis Rossi},
journal = {International Journal of Wildland Fire},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1071/wf25203},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05739945v1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The Balbi operational model, a simplified physical model for surface fires. Part I – modelling
AU - Jacques Henri Balbi
AU - François-Joseph Chatelon
AU - Miguel Cruz
AU - Thierry Marcelli
AU - Sofiane Meradji
AU - Dominique Morvan
AU - Jean Louis Rossi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/24
JO - International Journal of Wildland Fire
DO - 10.1071/wf25203
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05739945v1
AB - Background Previously published versions of the ‘Balbi model’ describing surface fire propagation consist of a set of equations based on simplified conservation laws. Their main equation calculating the fire rate of spread (ROS) relied on an iterative process to account for the effect of environmental drivers. Aims We formulated a new version of this model that considers a 3D flame front composed of peaks and troughs, integrates distinct radiation and convection heat transfer mechanisms, and outputs the physical characteristics of a flame front as they are influenced by weather, fuel and topographical conditions. A simpler operational version, composed of only one equation, is also exhibited. Methods While maintaining its characteristics (physics-oriented, fully predictive and faster than real time) from older versions, the global structure of the proposed model is changed to obtain a set of algebraic equations easy to solve and to code. Key results We described the model and provided an analysis of model response to key environmental variables. Model evaluation against independent data is provided in a companion paper. Conclusions A simplified physical propagation model for surface fires has been exhibited. Implications The algebraic nature of the model’s equations makes it suitable to incorporate into fire management decision-making tools to support suppression activities.
SN - 1049-8001
ER -