Predicting fire behavior in palmetto-gallberry fuel complexes

W A. Hough; F. A. Albini

Predicting fire behavior in palmetto-gallberry fuel complexes

Informally Refereed

Authors:

W A. Hough, F. A. Albini

Year:

1978

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Research Paper SE-RP-174.Asheville, NC: USDA-Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 48 p.

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Abstract

Rate of spread, fireline intensity, and flame length can be predicted with reasonable accuracy for backfires and low-intensity head fires in the palmetto-gallberry fuel complex of the South. This fuel complex was characterized and variables were adjusted for use in Rothermel's (1972) spread model. Age of rough, height of understory, percent of area covered by palmetto, basal area of overstory, season of year, moisture content of dead fuels, and midflame windspeed must be known to make predictions. These fire behavior predictions do not apply to high-intensity wildfires where spotting and crowning are occurring.

Keywords

Rate of spread, fireline intensity, flame length, prescribed burning

Citation

Hough, W A.; Albini, F. A. 1978. Predicting fire behavior in palmetto-gallberry fuel complexes. Research Paper SE-RP-174.Asheville, NC: USDA-Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 48 p.