A Note on Fuelbeds and Fire Behavior in Alang-Alang (Imperata Cylindrica)

Abstract

Fire behavior on a 2 ha fire, inferred from physical evidence observed one week after the fire, was compared with fire behavior estimates obtained using the BEHAVE fire behavior prediction system and fuel measurements in Imperata cylindrica (Alang-alang) made in the same area. This fire probably burned under light winds (3-5 km), high relative humidity, and spread slowly with moderate flame lengths (approximately 100 m hr^-1 spread rate, 0.5 - 0.7 m flame lengths). Although appar- ently killed by lethal crown and bole scorch, the young Acacia mangium overstory through which the fire burned resprouted vigorously and apparently survived.