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Methods to assess fire-induced tree mortality: Review of fire behavior proxy and real fire experiments

Alistair Smith, Raquel Partelli-Feltrin , Aaron Sparks, James Moberly, Henry Adams, Dylan Schwilk, Wade Tinkham , JR Kok, David Wilson, R Alex Thompson, Andrew Hudak, Chad Hoffman, James Lutz, Alexander Blanco, Mark Cochrane, Robert Kremens, Joseph Dahlen, Grant Harley, Scott Rainsford, Li Huang, Douglas Hardman, Luigi Boschetti, Daniel Johnson

Abstract

Background. The increased interest in why and how trees die from fire has led to several syntheses of the potential mechanisms of fire-induced tree mortality. However, these generally neglect to consider experimental methods used to simulate fire behavior conditions. Aims. To describe, evaluate the appropriateness of, and provide a historical timeline of the different approaches that have been conducted to simulate fire behavior in fire-induced tree mortality studies. Methods. We conducted a historical review of the different actual and fire proxy methods that have been used to further our understanding of fire-induced tree mortality. Key Results. Most studies that assess the mechanisms of fire-induced tree mortality in laboratory settings make use of fire proxies instead of real fires and use cut branches instead of live plants. Implications. Further research should assess mechanisms of fire-induced tree mortality using live plants in paired combustion laboratories and landscape fire experiments. Keywords: behavior, physiology, severity, intensity, xylem, phloem, cambium

WF24136  Accepted 11 December 2024

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