Abstract

PINTO, Anita; FERNANDES, Paulo M.; ESPINOSA-PRIETO, Juncal  and  LOUREIRO, Carlos. FIREglobulus: Experimental Study of Fire Behaviour and Effects in Blue Gum Plantations. Silva Lus. [online]. 2013, vol.21, n.Especial, pp.143-155. ISSN 0870-6352.

Eucalypt stands are an important economic resource as well as inherently flammable, hence contributing to the extent of the fire problem in Portugal. The advantages of prescribed burning as a fuel management technique warrant investigation of its feasibility in industrial eucalypt plantations. Project FIREglobulus seeks to establish the scientific basis for the technological development of prescribed burning in Eucalyptus globulus plantations. Treatment of fuels in highly flammable forest plantations is an essential component of their sustainable management, to limit the probability of fire, be able to suppress it under extreme weather, decrease its ecological impact and increase the value of salvaged wood. This project studies the behaviour and severity of experimental fires carried out from autumn to spring, supplemented by laboratory trials data. Data analysis relates fire characteristics with fuel complex descriptors and other environmental factors, examines the performance of currently available fire-behavior prediction models, and develops predictive relationships for the chain fire environment -fire behaviour -fire effects in Eucalyptus globulus. Here we present preliminary results concerning the assessment of fine dead fuel moisture content, fire spread sustainability, and woody fuel consumption. The operational use of the results will define the conditions under which the use of fire is suitable and that are conducive to meet fuel reduction targets without adverse tree effects.

Keywords : Eucalyptus globulus; fire danger; prescribed burning; fuel moisture.

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