How does the duration of precipitation impact fuel moisture compared to precipitation amount?

The correct answer indicates that the duration of precipitation has a greater impact on fuel moisture than the amount of precipitation. This is because longer-lasting rain events allow water to penetrate deeper into the fuel materials, such as grasses, shrubs, and forest litter, effectively increasing their moisture content. When precipitation occurs over an extended period, the soil and vegetation have more time to absorb the moisture, which results in a more significant and lasting effect on fuel moisture levels.

In contrast, heavy short-duration rain may lead to surface runoff, preventing moisture from adequately penetrating and saturating the fuels. Therefore, while the quantity of rain is certainly important, its duration is critical in determining how much moisture actually reaches and affects the fuels, which can ultimately influence fire behavior.