The hidden consequences of fire suppression

Carol L. Miller

Treesearch

The hidden consequences of fire suppression

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Carol L. Miller

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Park Science. 28(3). Online: http://www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/index.cfm?ArticleID=547&Page=1.

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Download (PDF 444 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/40395.pdf

Abstract

Wilderness managers need a way to quantify and monitor the effects of suppressing lightning-caused wildfires, which can alter natural fire regimes, vegetation, and habitat. Using computerized models of fire spread, weather, and fuels, it is now possible to quantify many of the hidden consequences of fire suppression. Case study watersheds in Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks were used to simulate where fires might have spread if they had not been suppressed, and what effects those fires would have had on fuels.

Keywords

fire suppression, fire use, simulation modeling

Citation

Miller, Carol. 2012. The hidden consequences of fire suppression. Park Science. 28(3). Online: http://www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/index.cfm?ArticleID=547&Page=1.