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Release Notice
The Behave Fire Modeling System version 7 (Behave7) is a collection of models that describe wildland fire and the fire environment. For the first time, it can be run on Windows, macOS and Linux Operating Systems. Behave7 is a flexible system that produces tables, graphs, and diagrams of fire behavior (surface and crown fire rate of spread and flame length; fire growth; maximum spotting distance; and probability of containment) and fire effects (scorch height and probability of mortality). It can be used for a variety of wildland fire management applications. Behave7 is the successor to the BehavePlus Fire Modeling System versions 1-6 (2001-2025) and BEHAVE fire behavior prediction and fuel modeling system (1984-2001).
Behave version 7 has been completely redesigned, with a new interface and streamlined code. It continues to evolve as we integrate legacy BehavePlus v6 components and new elements derived in part from other Fire Lab applications. All versions of the Behave7 application and source code are available on the Missoula Fire Sciences Lab’s GitHub repository. In addition to this Wiki, information is available on www.frames.gov/Behave. Because of the many changes, Behave7 is not backwards compatible, meaning that you cannot upload runs created in BehavePlus version 6 into Behave7.
Behave7 is a self-contained universal Java-based file (JAR file) that is not “installed” in the typical sense. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. See the Release Notice for complete software requirements. The Behave Fire Modeling System version 7 (Behave7) has been approved for use by all federal land management agencies. As an agency employee, let us know if you have any issues installing it on your computer. We will work with the appropriate oversight group to get it approved.
System Requirements are provided with every release. Current requirements are shown below.
| Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System: | Windows 10, Windows 11 Mac OS X 10.9+ Linux (Ubuntu 13.04+ |
| Additional Software (Jar File): | Java (Open JDK) - Both Oracle’s Java and Amazon Corretto have been tested.) Internet browser (It runs best in Chrome) Note: The zip file contains all software necessary to run Behave7 on Windows. |
| Memory: | 8 Gb, 1 Gb free |
| Storage: | 400 Mb |
| Display: | Minimum 1280 x 720 pixels, 264k (16-bit) colors |
| License: | See the License page or the Latest Release. It is also enclosed with every release of the software. Note: To open the website in a new window, click Ctrl and then the link. |
| Data Requirements: | There are no data requirements. Users enter values manually. Behave7 Runs can be saved and later imported. |
| Other Requirements: | Consider sending us a postcard with a picture of your local area. (Address) |
Note: While some users have successfully run Behave7 on a computer with 4 GB of memory, others have not. Therefore, we recommend a minimum of 8 GB of memory.
The latest version of Behave7 is available at www.frames.gov/Behave under Current Software.
See Installation Instructions for the latest instructions to install Behave7 on computers for federal and some state agencies, as well as personal computers.
Since Behave7 is not installed in the traditional way, it is not "uninstalled" like other apps. Move any files you have created to another location if necessary and delete the folder containing the software.
The following sources of technical support and training are available.
- The first level of technical support is provided through your local support channels, particularly with respect to local parameters for use in fire behavior modeling and the analyses used most often.
- Primary user support for Behave7 installation and use is provided by the Interagency Incident Applications HelpDesk: (https://iiahelpdesk.nwcg.gov/). The HelpDesk is available for help with software issues only and cannot answer fire behavior questions.
- If you cannot get help locally or through the HelpDesk, contact the co-developers: Faith Ann Heinsch, (faith.heinsch@usda.gov) or LaWen Hollingsworth (lawen.t.hollingsworth@usda.gov).
