The Dynamics of Surface Forest Fire and Forest Fuel Ignition Under the Heat Radiation From the Fire Line

Abstract

The chapter presents the results of experimental-analytical modeling of the surface forest fire dynamics and the process of forest fuel ignition when exposed to thermal radiation from the fire line. The regularities are established for the occurrence and spread of fires in natural ecosystems of the temperate climatic zone. Analytical solutions have been obtained that make it possible to predict the level of heat load on the soil cover of coniferous stands. The special computer program has been developed to calculate the heat load during fires. The methods of field and laboratory modeling revealed patterns of forest fuel heating and ignition depending on moisture content. A practice-oriented method is proposed to calculate the width of fire barriers that limit the spread of forest fires. The methods for creating fire barriers are proposed.