Tag: Wildfire risk

Site Prep Tractors and Their Potential for Prescribed Fire

by Mathew Smidt and Dana Mitchell, SRS research engineers  • 
Site preparation (site prep) tractors are large-wheeled machines with mulcher head attachments. These machines can turn shrubs and small trees into wood chips and chunks. They are often used to control vegetation before a prescribed fire, improve wildlife habitat, or as a replacement for fire where the risk is too high. If site prep tractors…  More 

Climate and Society Will Determine the Future of Wildfire in the South

by Zoё Hoyle, SRS Science Communications  • 
A new study by U.S. Forest Service scientists and collaborators projects a four percent increase overall in acres burned by wildfire in the Southeast by 2060, but with substantial uncertainties and large variations by state and ecoregion, including a 34 percent increase in acres burned due to lightning-caused fires. The study, just published in the…  More 

The Benefits of Forecasting Human-Ignited Wildfires

by Zoё Hoyle, SRS Science Communications  • 
Fires set by people are a real problem for wildland fire managers on all types of land ownerships, including tribal lands. Because they usually occur closer to valued property and resources, human-set fires also tend to be more damaging than fires ignited naturally. Human-ignited wildfires fall into two categories – incendiary, or intentionally set fires,…  More 

Is Your Home at Risk from Wildfire?

by Zoe Hoyle, SRS Science Communications  • 
Though fire plays an important part in the forest ecosystems of the South, wildfire presents a grave risk to homes built in or near natural areas. The good news is that all home are not equally at risk, and steps can be taken to reduce risk. Wildfire risk to homes depends on nearby land use, trees, vegetation near the home, and…  More