Fuel loads and fuel structure in Austrian coniferous forests
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Date
2022-06-22
Authors
Neumann, Mathias
Vilà-Vilardell, Lena
Mortimer, M. Müller
Vacik, Harald
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Abstract
Understanding fires in temperate European coniferous forests is hindered by a lack of reliable
field observations on fuel load and structure. Fuel load influences the spread, intensity and
spotting distance of a surface fire, torching likelihood and potential carbon emissions. We
quantified fuel load and structure for Austrian coniferous forests using 93 sample plots across
Austria. We compared Austrian fuel types with fuels collected in other regions and biomes.
We found significant differences among regions and forest types. Fuel load was more
dependent on region and forest type than on age class. Highest fuel load was found in Picea
abies stands, lowest in Pinus nigra forests. Dead fuel loads were positively correlated with
basal area, while live fuels were negatively correlated, suggesting that basal area drives
accumulation of dead fuels and suppresses growth of understorey vegetation. Fuel loads in
Austria are similar to published data for other temperate forests. The large variation in
observed fuel loads and lack of previous studies highlight the need to further develop fuel
models for mixed conifer–broadleaf forests. This pilot study underpins that consistent terminology and fuel classification are important to interpret differences between regions and forest
types.
Citation
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International Journal of Wildland Fire, 2022, vol. 31, núm. 7, p. 693-707