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Temperate and boreal forest mega‐fires: characteristics and challenges
Author(s) -
Stephens Scott L,
Burrows Neil,
Buyantuyev Alexander,
Gray Robert W,
Keane Robert E,
Kubian Rick,
Liu Shirong,
Seijo Francisco,
Shu Lifu,
Tolhurst Kevin G,
van Wagtendonk Jan W
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/120332
Subject(s) - ecosystem , boreal , disturbance (geology) , climate change , fire regime , environmental science , taiga , mega , environmental resource management , megacity , boreal ecosystem , forest ecology , geography , ecology , physical geography , forestry , geology , paleontology , physics , archaeology , astronomy , biology
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.