Predicting behavior and size of crown fires in the northern Rocky Mountains

Richard C. Rothermel

doi:10.2737/INT-RP-438

Predicting behavior and size of crown fires in the northern Rocky Mountains

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Richard C. Rothermel

Year:

1991

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/INT-RP-438

Source:

Res. Pap. INT-438. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 46 p.

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Abstract

Describes methods for approximating behavior and size of a wind-driven crown fire in mountainous terrain. Covers estimation of average rate of spread, energy release from tree crowns and surface fuel, fireline intensity, flame length, and unit area power of the fire and ambient wind. Plume-dominated fires, which may produce unexpectedly fast spread rates even with low ambient windspeeds, are covered and supplemental methods suggested for estimating their occurrence. The spread information can be used to estimate and map fire area and perimeter.

Keywords

rate of spread, fireline intensity, flame length, energy release, power, fire model, crown fire, fire size

Citation

Rothermel, Richard C. 1991. Predicting behavior and size of crown fires in the northern Rocky Mountains. Res. Pap. INT-RP-438. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 46 p.