Developing customized fuel models for shrub and bracken communities in Galicia (NW Spain)

Vega, José A.; Álvarez-González, Juan Gabriel; Arellano-Pérez, Stéfano; Fernández, Cristina; Cuiñas, Pedro; Jiménez, Enrique; Fernández-Alonso, José M.; Fontúrbel, Teresa; Alonso-Rego, Cecilia; Ruiz-González, Ana Daría

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119831

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…The size categories were selected according to their surface-to-volume ratios and, for dead fuels, because they coincide with the size ranges defined by Fosberg et al [76], due to the contrasting water absorption and desorption rates (time lags of 1 h, 10 h and 100 h, respectively). These three size ranges have also been used to construct custom fuel models for predicting fire behavior [77][78][79][80]. Once classified, the material was weighed and dried in forced air-drying chambers (105 • C for 24 h for fine fuels and 48 h for coarse fuels) for determination of the dry biomass of each fraction.…”

Section: Laboratory Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Site Quality Models and Fuel Load Dynamic Equation Systems Disaggregated by Size Fractions and Vegetative States in Gorse and High Heath Shrublands in Galicia (NW Spain)

Vega,

Álvarez-González,

Arellano-Pérez

et al. 2024

Fire

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Compatible model systems were developed for estimating fuel load dynamics in Ulex europaeus (gorse) and in Erica australis (Spanish heath) dominated shrub communities at stand level. The models were based on intensive, detailed destructive field sampling and were fitted simultaneously to fulfill the additivity principle. The models enable, for the first time, estimation of the biomass dynamics of the total shrub layer, size fractions and vegetative stage, with reasonably good accuracy. The approach used addresses the high variability in shrub biomass estimates by using a site index (SI) based on biomass levels at a reference age of 10 years. Analysis of the effect of climatic variables on site index confirmed the preference of gorse for mild temperatures and the ability of high heath communities to tolerate a wider range of temperatures. In the gorse communities, SI tended to increase as summer rainfall and the mean temperature of the coldest month increased. However, in the heath communities, no relationships were observed between SI and any of the climatic variables analyzed. The study findings may be useful for assessing and monitoring fuel hazards, updating fuel mapping, planning and implementing fuel reduction treatments and predicting fire behavior, among other important ecological and biomass use-related applications.

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Section: Laboratory Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Site Quality Models and Fuel Load Dynamic Equation Systems Disaggregated by Size Fractions and Vegetative States in Gorse and High Heath Shrublands in Galicia (NW Spain)

Vega,

Álvarez-González,

Arellano-Pérez

et al. 2024

Fire

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“…For example, the shrub communities in the European region of Galicia, Spain, and northern Portugal, belonging both to the Euro-Atlantic and Mediterranean biogeographic domains, are abundant. In this region, gorse and broom are prone to severe wildfires, which have intensified in recent decades [34][35][36]. The surface areas of gorse and broom in this European region have been estimated at about 530,000 and 470,000 ha, respectively [37].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Feedstock, Pyrolysis Temperature, and Residence Time on the Properties and Uses of Biochar from Broom and Gorse Wastes

Cárdenas-Aguiar,

Méndez,

Gascó

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

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Biochar (BC), which can be produced from several feedstocks, has been widely studied. However, the BC derived from highly pyrolytic shrubs, such as broom and gorse, has been less frequently used and only partially characterized. These wastes, when used for the preparation of biochar, can fix carbon and contribute to environmental conservation, helping to achieve sustainable development objectives. Eight biochars from broom and gorse were produced and fully analyzed, providing a more complete and novel description, with new insights for assessing their utilization. The aims of this study were to elucidate the effects of feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, and residence time on biochar properties and to assess the adequacy of these biochars as fuel. Elemental and proximate analyses and estimations of the lower and higher heating values were performed, and physical and chemical properties, as well as several other related energy indices, were determined. The experimental results showed that the temperature was a key factor in the properties of the biochars, while residence time was less important. The BCs obtained from the two feedstocks did not show important effects on the properties, which is consistent with the fact that they are woody legumes. These biochars had a high carbon content and were thermally stable. The BCs also had a high calorific value and suitable energetic properties. Additionally, their PAH contents were low, indicating that the use of these biochars would be safe. In conclusion, broom- and gorse-derived biochars can be considered as renewable fuels for green energy production.

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Optimizing NFDRS by Developing Custom Fuel Models for Wildfire Risk Assessment in Golestan Province, NE Iran

Khalaf,

Jouibary,

Jahdi

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Wildfire risk assessment is essential for managing and mitigating the effects of wildfires, especially in regions frequently affected by severe fires This study focuses on optimizing the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) by creating 11 custom fuel models tailored to the climatic and vegetation conditions of Golestan province, NE Iran. These models were developed by sampling 125 homogeneous zones. The number of custom fuel models was determined by K-means analysis with relative squared Euclidean distances and the silhouette method using data collected from the homogeneous zones. The NFDRS outputs include the Spread Component (SC), Energy Release Component (ERC), and Burning Index (BI), with fire danger classes identified using the Static Fire Danger Index (SFDI). The models were evaluated using Overall Accuracy, Kappa, Sorensen, True Positive Rate (TPR), False Positive Rate (FPR), and Area under the Curve (AUC). The results revealed significant variability in fuel properties between vegetation types, affecting SC and ERC values. The custom fuel models outperformed the standard NFDRS models in accuracy, with Overall Accuracy (0.85), Kappa (0.78), and AUC (0.92) compared to the NFDRS's 0.70, 0.65, and 0.80, respectively. This study provides a clear illustration of the improved predictive performance of the custom models in the study area, which can help fire managers make more informed decisions, leading to better preparation and more efficient allocation of resources. these models can help mitigate wildfires' economic and environmental impacts. In addition, this research highlights the need for region-specific, customized fuel models to improve the accuracy of fire risk

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Developing customized fuel models for shrub and bracken communities in Galicia (NW Spain)

Cited by 3 publications

References 78 publications

Site Quality Models and Fuel Load Dynamic Equation Systems Disaggregated by Size Fractions and Vegetative States in Gorse and High Heath Shrublands in Galicia (NW Spain)

Site Quality Models and Fuel Load Dynamic Equation Systems Disaggregated by Size Fractions and Vegetative States in Gorse and High Heath Shrublands in Galicia (NW Spain)

The Effects of Feedstock, Pyrolysis Temperature, and Residence Time on the Properties and Uses of Biochar from Broom and Gorse Wastes

Optimizing NFDRS by Developing Custom Fuel Models for Wildfire Risk Assessment in Golestan Province, NE Iran

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