Document

Title

The effect of precommercial thinning on fire potential in a lodgepole pine stand
Document Type: Journal Article
Author(s): Martin E. Alexander; Richard F. Yancik
Publication Year: 1977

Cataloging Information

Keyword(s):
  • Colorado
  • fire potential
  • lodgepole pine
  • Pinus contorta
  • pre-commercial thinning
Topic(s):
Region(s):
Partner Site(s):
Record Maintained By:
FRAMES Staff; https://www.frames.gov/contact
Record Last Modified: March 27, 2018
FRAMES Record Number: 10943

Description

Fire managers are aware that precommercial thinning increases the fire hazard of a given area, and that resistance-to-control, rate-of-spread (ROS), fire intensity, and ignition potential may also be affected (Appleby 1970, Dell 1975, Dell & Franks 1971, Fahnestock 1968). Thinning slash is additional debris superimposed upon the naturally-fallen fuel that already exists in a stand. In any appraisal of fire hazard and proposed fuel treatment measures, natural residues must be taken into account (Olson & Fahnestock 1955). The question is, 'How much and to what degree does precommercial thinning influence potential fire behavior in a thinned versus unthinned stands?'

Online Link(s):
Link to this document (328 KB; pdf)
Citation:
Alexander, M. E.; Yancik, R. F. 1977. The effect of precommercial thinning on fire potential in a lodgepole pine stand. Fire Management Notes 38(3):7-9,20.