Fire severity unaffected by spruce beetle outbreak in spruce-fir forests in southwestern Colorado
The authors examined the effects of spruce beetle infestation on fire severity during the drought years of 2012 to 2013.
The authors found that spruce beetle infestation (< 5 years) did not correlate to fire severity regardless of burning conditions. Instead topography, pre-outbreak basal area, climate and short-term weather conditions during the fires all had a stronger influence on fire severity.
Climate and Fire Linkages
Topography, pre-outbreak basal area, climate and short-term weather conditions during the fires all had a stronger influence on fire severity than spruce beetle infestation (< 5 years).
Fire and Ecosystem Effects Linkages
The authors found that spruce beetle infestation (< 5 years) did not correlate to fire severity regardless of burning conditions. Instead topography, pre-outbreak basal area, climate and short-term weather conditions during the fires all had a stronger influence on fire severity.