Abstract
In the wildland-urban interface, the imperative is often to protect life and property from destructive fires, while also conserving biodiversity. One potential tool for achieving this goal is the use of green firebreaks: strips of low flammability species planted at strategic locations to help reduce fire spread by slowing or stopping the fire front, extinguishing embers or blocking radiant heat. If comprised of native species, green firebreaks also have biodiversity benefits. Green firebreaks have been recommended for use throughout the world, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia. However, despite this widespread endorsement, there has been little empirical testing of green firebreaks, particularly with field experiments. This knowledge gap needs addressing. Green firebreaks should be considered as part of the revegetation strategy following recent extensive wildfires in places such as New Zealand and Chile.
Highlights
And Brotons [1] provided a timely and insightful discussion of the role of fire in biodiversity conservation, but what if the land management imperative is to inhibit fire spread?
If green firebreaks are comprised of native species, they can deliver biodiversity benefits such as the provision of food, habitat and dispersal opportunities for native fauna
Known as fire greenbelts, green firewalls, green strips, and living fire breaks, green firebreaks have been recommended for use in landscapes around the world, including the United States [5], New Zealand [6], China [7], Indonesia [8], West Africa [9], Peru [10], and Europe [11]
Summary
And Brotons [1] provided a timely and insightful discussion of the role of fire in biodiversity conservation, but what if the land management imperative is to inhibit fire spread?. Plant species differ in their inherent flammability [2,3], and boundaries of less flammable vegetation can stop or slow down wildfire, or extinguish embers being blown ahead of a fire front [4].
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