Microplot Sampling of Fire Behavior on Populus tremuloides Stands in North-Central Colorado

Abstract

Fire behavior research has traditionally used whole burns as sampling units. Numerous burns were required to quantify relationships between pre-burn descriptors, fire behavior, and fire effects. Recent studies have used small plots within burns (called microplots) as the sampling units. This study measured pre-burn descriptors and fire behavior on 0.75-m2 microplots in two Populus tremuloides Michx. burns in north-central Colorado. Microplot estimates of woody fuels, spread rate, and area burned were comparable with measurements from whole burns. Two methods of estimating fire intensity on microplots produced inconsistent results. Juniperus communis L. patches burned more intensely and released more heat than herbaceous areas. Duff characteristics were the most useful pre-burn descriptors for predicting area burned, spread rate, flame length, and total heat release. Microplot sampling on two bums enabled us to relate variability in fire behavior to pre-burn characteristics and to obtain replicate estimates of these relationships.