Fire behavior modeling based on simulated field plots

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop and adjust fire behavior models based on simulated field plots methodology. The experiment was carried out at the Canguiri Experimental Farm, owned by the Federal University of Parana, located in Pinhais County, Parana State, Brazil. Twenty two plots, measuring 2.0 x 6.0 m, were assembled using pine tree tops (1.8 to 2.0 m high) standing in the ground, in order to simulate natural field conditions. Fuel load (2.0 kg.m of dry needles), layer thickness (16 cm), and fuel disposal (homogeneously distributed) were pre-determined. During the burns wind speed, air temperature, and relative humidity were monitored. Fire propagation along the plots produced rate of spread varying from 0.003 to 0.061 m.s, flame heights between 0.75 to 5.63 m, and fire intensity from 30.19 to 582.22 kcal.m.s. The results allowed the development and adjustment of models to estimate fire front intensity based on flame height and wind speed, and models to estimate the rate of spread based on flame height, wind speed, and relative humidity.