Landscape-scale fuel treatment effectiveness: Lessons learned from wildland fire case studies in forests of the western United States and Great Lakes region

Alexandra K. Urza; Brice Hanberry; Terrie B. Jain

doi:10.1186/s42408-022-00159-y

Treesearch

Landscape-scale fuel treatment effectiveness: Lessons learned from wildland fire case studies in forests of the western United States and Great Lakes region

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Alexandra K. Urza, Brice Hanberry, Terrie B. Jain

Year:

2023

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-022-00159-y

Source:

Fire Ecology. 19(1).

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Abstract

Maximizing the effectiveness of fuel treatments at landscape scales is a key research and management need given the inability to treat all areas at risk from wildfire. We synthesized information from case studies that documented the influence of fuel treatments on wildfire events. We used a systematic review to identify relevant case studies and extracted information through a series of targeted questions to summarize experiential knowledge of landscape fuel treatment effectiveness. Within a larger literature search, we identified 18 case study reports that included (1) manager assessment of fuel treatment effectiveness during specific wildfire events; (2) fuel treatment effects on fire size, severity, and behavior outside of the treatment boundaries; and (3) the influence of fuel treatments on fire suppression tactics.

Keywords

case study, fire behavior, fire effects, fire suppression, fuel treatment, landscape, topography, treatment design, treatment placement, wind

Citation

Urza, Alexandra K.; Hanberry, Brice B.; Jain, Theresa B. 2023. Landscape-scale fuel treatment effectiveness: Lessons learned from wildland fire case studies in forests of the western United States and Great Lakes region. Fire Ecology. 19(1).