Fuel treatments and fire severity: A meta-analysis

Erik J. Martinson; Philip N. Omi

doi:10.2737/RMRS-RP-103

Treesearch

Fuel treatments and fire severity: A meta-analysis

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Erik J. Martinson, Philip N. Omi

Year:

2013

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/RMRS-RP-103

Source:

Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-103WWW. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 38 p.

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Download (PDF 2.40 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/43632.pdf

Abstract

We employed meta-analysis and information theory to synthesize findings reported in the literature on the effects of fuel treatments on subsequent fire intensity and severity. Data were compiled from 19 publications that reported observed fire responses from 62 treated versus untreated contrasts. Effect sizes varied widely and the most informative grouping of studies distinguished three vegetation types and three types of fuel treatment. The resultant meta-analytic model is highly significant (p

Keywords

thinning, prescribed burning, wildfire, effect size, synthesis

Citation

Martinson, Erik J.; Omi, Philip N. 2013. Fuel treatments and fire severity: A meta-analysis. Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-103WWW. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 38 p.