The Ignition Component (IC) is equal to the probability (0-100%) of a firebrand producing a fire that will require suppression action. It says nothing about the intensity of the fire, which is indicated by the Burning Index (BI) value. IC is another fire danger index calculated by the Oklahoma Fire Danger Model.
An IC of 100 means that every firebrand will cause a fire requiring suppression action if it contacts a receptive fuel. Likewise an IC of 0 would mean that no firebrand would cause a fire requiring suppression action under those conditions. Note the emphasis is on action. The key is whether a fire will result that requires a fire manager to make a decision. The Ignition Component is more than the probability of a fire starting; it has to have the potential to spread. Therefore, Spread Component (SC) values are entered into the calculation of IC. If a fire will ignite and spread, some action or decision is needed.
Ignition Component is a function of the fuel model being used, the live and dead fuel loads, the live and dead fuel moistures, and the weather conditions. If the fuel types and loads are substantially different than those in the fuel model being used, there will be inaccuracies. The IC map is updated every 15 minutes.