Evaluating Potential Fire Behavior in Lodgepole Pine-Dominated Forests after a Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic in North-Central Colorado

• DOI: 10.1093/wjaf/26.3.101
• Publication Date: 2019-08-22T18:09:26Z
• Authors: Jennifer G. Klutsch; Mike A. Battaglia; Daniel R. West; Sheryl L. Costello; José F. Negrón
• Keywords: Mountain pine beetle

Abstract A mountain pine beetle outbreak in Colorado lodgepole forests has altered stand and fuel characteristics that affect potential fire behavior. Using the Fire Fuels Extension to Forest Vegetation Simulator, behavior was modeled for uninfested beetle-affected plots 7 years after initiation 10 80% projected tree fall using measured characteristics. Under 90th percentile weather conditions, exhibited proportionally more crown than infested plots. Plots predicted have were composed mainly of nonhost conifer species had a lower continuous canopy Where surface occur, live only present, significantly mortality from fire. Mountain beetle-induced changes resulted increased intensity Furthermore, with fall, smoke production be higher. Tree composition stands pre postbark is important when identifying beetle-caused