Progression and Behavior of the Canoe Fire in Coast Redwood

Abstract

Lightning caused fires occur in coast redwood forests, but large fires have been rare since the 1930s. Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is considered fire resistant. In 2003, the Canoe Fire, a lightning fire started in an old-growth redwood stand in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, burned 5,554 hectares (13,774 acres) before it was contained. Fuel characteristics and weather contributed to fire progression. Topography, access, fuel loading and management considerations affected fire suppression tactics and effectiveness. From the old-growth redwood stand, fire progressed into young-growth, producing significant changes in fire behavior and effects. Old-growth redwood stands should be managed to anticipate wildfire impacts.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the Redwood Region Forest Science Symposium: What does the future hold?

Citation

Scanlon, Hugh. 2007. Progression and Behavior of the Canoe Fire in Coast Redwood. In: Standiford, Richard B.; Giusti, Gregory A.; Valachovic, Yana; Zielinski, William J.; Furniss, Michael J., technical editors. 2007. Proceedings of the redwood region forest science symposium: What does the future hold? Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-194. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 223-232