Fuelbreaks and other fuel modification for wildland fire control

Abstract

In Mediterranean climates, the shrubby plant cover and the coniferous forest above it are vulnerable to frequent large fires. The fuelbreak, a strip of land in a strategic area-such as a ridgetop-where fuel modification and often type conversion can be accomplished, is an approach to fire suppression being widely applied in the Western United States, particularly California. The fuelbreak concept and fuel modification practices have been developed extensively since the 1950's. Fuelbreak system planning is integral to land-use and fire control planning. Fuel modification practices include clearing of original cover by hand or machine; prescribed burning, with preparation of brush by crushing or desiccation with herbicides; control of brush regrowth with herbicides, as sprays or pellets; and establishment of new ground covers, immediately after clearing. Perennial grasses are preferred as new cover where possible; lowgrowing woody vegetation is also used.

Citation

Green, Lisle R. 1977. Fuelbreaks and other fuel modification for wildland fire control. U.S. Dep. Agric., Agric. Handb. 499, 79, p., illus.