Determining and mapping fire potential based on fuel type and fire behavior

SUMMARY Determining and mapping fire potential based on Fuel type and Fire Behavior This study examines 1) fuel loads in normally stocked red pine stands, 2) fuel models (types) determined based on fuel characteristics, and fuel maps generated by Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and 3) fire behavior prediction in young Anatolian black pine stands. Using the information generated, two case studies were realized to determine fire potential and fire behavior characteristics under varying fire weather, topography and fuel conditions. Crown length, crown width, diameter at breast height were the best predictor of fuel load. Regression models generated were able to realistically predict fuel components important in fire behavior. Using both the regression models and general stand structure parameters, fuel type maps were generated using GIS from which fire potential and hazard were derived. One being general and the other being more detailed, two classification schemes were used to classify fuel types. It was concluded that for areas relatively homogeneous in fuels and topography, general classification seems adequate, while detailed classification seems more appropriate for patcy fuels and broken topography. Regression models were generated to predict fire behavior in young Anatolian black pine stands. Results indicated that fire spread is related to wind, fuel consumption to moisture contents of surface fuels, crown closure and live fine fuels, and fire intensity to wind, moisture contents of surface fuels, crown closure and total fuel load. The results obtained in this study should be invaluable in overall fire management planning through providing the fire managers with the accurate, timely and usable information they need in a form they can utilize. Keywords: Fuel models, Fire Behavior, Firç Potential, Geographical Information Systems VI