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Both topography and climate affected forest and woodland burn severity in two regions of the western US, 1984 to 2006

Gregory K. Dillon, Zachary A. Holden, Penelope Morgan, Michael A. Crimmins, Emily K. Heyerdahl, Charles H. Luce
Summary - what did the authors do and why?

The authors assessed trends in burn severity from 1984 to 2006 and also analyzed the effects of topography, climate (temperature and precipitation), and weather on burn severity in forested and woodland areas across the Southwest and Northwest regions of the U.S. separately.

Publication findings:

The authors found that topography had a stronger influence on burn severity than climate (temperature and precipitation), but that climate before and during the fire was still a significant predictor of burn severity. The authors suggest that climate conditions can overwhelm topographic limitations on area burned and fire severity during dry years with widespread fire. 

Climate and Fire Linkages

How do temperature, relative humidity and vapor pressure deficit relate to fire severity?

The authors found that topography had a stronger influence on burn severity than climate (temperature and precipitation), but that climate before and during the fire was still a significant predictor of burn severity. The authors suggest that climate conditions can overwhelm topographic limitations on area burned and fire severity during dry years with widespread fire. 

How do snowpack and precipitation (snow/rain) relate to fire severity?

The authors found that topography had a stronger influence on burn severity than climate (temperature and precipitation), but that climate before and during the fire was still a significant predictor of burn severity. The authors suggest that climate conditions can overwhelm topographic limitations on area burned and fire severity during dry years with widespread fire.