Description

Over the last decade fire managers in Banff National Park have embarked on a comprehensive fuels management program of which one aspect has been fuel reduction treatments near structures or facilities (e.g., homes, campground, hotels). These treatments included the reduction of dead and down woody surface material (e.g., logs, branches, twigs), removal of coniferous understory trees, pruning, and overstory thinning. Detailed measurements of all flammable material above mineral soil were made at four plots within the treated areas and four plots in stands immediately adjacent to the treatments. The fuel treatments resulted in a 3-, 4-, and 6-fold decrease in crown bulk density, stand density, and dead and down woody material, respectively. The change in surface fuel loading caused a 50% reduction in the potential surface fire intensity.Based on Van Wagner*s theories, the likelihood of crown fire initiation was significanty reduced and the rate of spread required to sustain continuous crowning rose almost 4 times. © University of Idaho 2000. Abstract reproduced by permission.