Temperate and boreal forest mega-fires: characteristics and challenges
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Abstract
Mega-fires are often defined according to their size and intensity but are more accurately described by their socioeconomic impacts. Three factors – climate change, fire exclusion, and antecedent disturbance, collectively referred to as the “mega-fire triangle” – likely contribute to today's mega-fires. Some characteristics of mega-fires may emulate historical fire regimes and can therefore sustain healthy fire-prone ecosystems, but other attributes decrease ecosystem resiliency. A good example of a program that seeks to mitigate mega-fires is located in Western Australia, where prescribed burning reduces wildfire intensity while conserving ecosystems. Crown-fire-adapted ecosystems are likely at higher risk of frequent mega-fires as a result of climate change, as compared with other ecosystems once subject to frequent less severe fires. Fire and forest managers should recognize that mega-fires will be a part of future wildland fire regimes and should develop strategies to reduce their undesired impacts.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Temperate and boreal forest mega-fires: characteristics and challenges |
| Series title | Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment |
| DOI | 10.1890/120332 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Ecological Society of America |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Contributing office(s) | Western Ecological Research Center |
| Description | 8 p. |
| First page | 115 |
| Last page | 122 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |