Fire Prevention Efforts in the Northwest

Abstract

The frequency of forest fires in 13 northeastern states dropped about one-half from 1943 to 1950, exclusive of the fluctuations due to weather. The average downward trend and the annual observations from which the trend is determined are shown graphically in the lower chart on the other side of this page. Each dot on the chart is the ratio of fire occurrence (actual number of fires that burn) to fire expectance (number of fires proportional to measured fire danger). By transforming the data in the upper chart to a ratio, the effects of weather are largely eliminated from comparisons between years on the same area, and the error owing to differences in population, fuel types, land use, and other factors in comparisons between areas also is greatly reduced.

Citation

Lindenmuth, A.W., Jr.; Keetch, J.J. 1952. Fire Prevention Efforts in the Northwest. USDA Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, Reseach Notes No. 12