Debris Management in Alberta Fuel Management Workshop October 2003
31
Debris Management in Debris Management in Alberta Alberta Fuel Management Workshop Fuel Management Workshop October 2003 October 2003 Greg Baxter Greg Baxter Researcher, WFORG Researcher, WFORG FERIC Western Division FERIC Western Division
description
Debris Management in Alberta Fuel Management Workshop October 2003. Greg Baxter Researcher, WFORG FERIC Western Division. Background. Debris management has been an issue since the 1890’s when the first tree was harvested (P. Murphy) - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Debris Management in Alberta Fuel Management Workshop October 2003
Debris Management in AlbertaDebris Management in AlbertaFuel Management WorkshopFuel Management Workshop
October 2003October 2003
Debris Management in AlbertaDebris Management in AlbertaFuel Management WorkshopFuel Management Workshop
October 2003October 2003
Greg Baxter Greg Baxter Researcher, WFORGResearcher, WFORG
FERIC Western DivisionFERIC Western Division
Greg Baxter Greg Baxter Researcher, WFORGResearcher, WFORG
FERIC Western DivisionFERIC Western Division
BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground
• Debris management has been an Debris management has been an issue since the 1890’s when the issue since the 1890’s when the first tree was harvestedfirst tree was harvested (P. Murphy)(P. Murphy)
““The Dominion Timber Regulations were amended in 1898 The Dominion Timber Regulations were amended in 1898 to include requirements for disposal of logging debris to include requirements for disposal of logging debris and to require timber operators to share the costs of and to require timber operators to share the costs of
forest protection”.forest protection”.
• This problem has been studied a This problem has been studied a number of times – this being the number of times – this being the most recent.most recent.
• Debris management has been an Debris management has been an issue since the 1890’s when the issue since the 1890’s when the first tree was harvestedfirst tree was harvested (P. Murphy)(P. Murphy)
““The Dominion Timber Regulations were amended in 1898 The Dominion Timber Regulations were amended in 1898 to include requirements for disposal of logging debris to include requirements for disposal of logging debris and to require timber operators to share the costs of and to require timber operators to share the costs of
forest protection”.forest protection”.
• This problem has been studied a This problem has been studied a number of times – this being the number of times – this being the most recent.most recent.
Past Work (Past Work (examplesexamples))Past Work (Past Work (examplesexamples))• Bennett, W.D. 1960Bennett, W.D. 1960. The reduction of forest . The reduction of forest
fire hazard created by logging slash. fire hazard created by logging slash. Literature reviewLiterature review
• Kiil, A.D. 1964Kiil, A.D. 1964 – moisture content of slash – moisture content of slash fuels.fuels.
Also moisture content study five years after logging Also moisture content study five years after logging (1968)(1968)
• 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of slash hazard on logging operations slash hazard on logging operations ((Benson, J.EBenson, J.E) )
(Hazard rating system and ‘wildfires from slash have (Hazard rating system and ‘wildfires from slash have not caused us any problems to date’.not caused us any problems to date’.
• Bennett, W.D. 1960Bennett, W.D. 1960. The reduction of forest . The reduction of forest fire hazard created by logging slash. fire hazard created by logging slash.
Literature reviewLiterature review
• Kiil, A.D. 1964Kiil, A.D. 1964 – moisture content of slash – moisture content of slash fuels.fuels.
Also moisture content study five years after logging Also moisture content study five years after logging (1968)(1968)
• 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of slash hazard on logging operations slash hazard on logging operations ((Benson, J.EBenson, J.E) )
(Hazard rating system and ‘wildfires from slash have (Hazard rating system and ‘wildfires from slash have not caused us any problems to date’.not caused us any problems to date’.
Past WorkPast WorkPast WorkPast Work
• Little quantitative data collected on Little quantitative data collected on fire behaviour (intensities and fire behaviour (intensities and spread mechanisms) of debris and spread mechanisms) of debris and piles involved in wildfires.piles involved in wildfires.
• Little quantitative data collected on Little quantitative data collected on fire behaviour (intensities and fire behaviour (intensities and spread mechanisms) of debris and spread mechanisms) of debris and piles involved in wildfires.piles involved in wildfires.
Current IssuesCurrent IssuesCurrent IssuesCurrent Issues
• Provincial legislation states that slash Provincial legislation states that slash hazard reduction is required – within 24 hazard reduction is required – within 24 months (primarily by burning).months (primarily by burning).• Some Companies would rather spread Some Companies would rather spread
debris or pile and not burn – mostly due debris or pile and not burn – mostly due to to liability concernsliability concerns..• Are there alternatives? Are there alternatives? • Can we learn from the fire history or Can we learn from the fire history or
case studies of fire behaviour? Are there case studies of fire behaviour? Are there species differences?species differences?
• Provincial legislation states that slash Provincial legislation states that slash hazard reduction is required – within 24 hazard reduction is required – within 24 months (primarily by burning).months (primarily by burning).• Some Companies would rather spread Some Companies would rather spread
debris or pile and not burn – mostly due debris or pile and not burn – mostly due to to liability concernsliability concerns..• Are there alternatives? Are there alternatives? • Can we learn from the fire history or Can we learn from the fire history or
case studies of fire behaviour? Are there case studies of fire behaviour? Are there species differences?species differences?
Recent High Profile Fires Recent High Profile Fires Involving DebrisInvolving Debris
Recent High Profile Fires Recent High Profile Fires Involving DebrisInvolving Debris
• 1998 Slave Lake Fires 1998 Slave Lake Fires
• 2000 Cherry Hill Fire2000 Cherry Hill Fire
• 2001 Chisholm Fire2001 Chisholm Fire
• 2002 House River Fire2002 House River Fire
• 2003 Lost Creek Fire2003 Lost Creek Fire
• 1998 Slave Lake Fires 1998 Slave Lake Fires
• 2000 Cherry Hill Fire2000 Cherry Hill Fire
• 2001 Chisholm Fire2001 Chisholm Fire
• 2002 House River Fire2002 House River Fire
• 2003 Lost Creek Fire2003 Lost Creek Fire
Observed Problematic Fire Observed Problematic Fire BehaviourBehaviour
Observed Problematic Fire Observed Problematic Fire BehaviourBehaviour
• Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to forest).forest).• Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or
direct flame contact).direct flame contact).• Grass fire behaviour combined with Grass fire behaviour combined with
heavy fuel loads. heavy fuel loads. • Overnight fire spread.Overnight fire spread.• Difficult/expensive to extinguish.Difficult/expensive to extinguish.
• Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to forest).forest).• Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or
direct flame contact).direct flame contact).• Grass fire behaviour combined with Grass fire behaviour combined with
heavy fuel loads. heavy fuel loads. • Overnight fire spread.Overnight fire spread.• Difficult/expensive to extinguish.Difficult/expensive to extinguish.
History of Debris FiresHistory of Debris FiresHistory of Debris FiresHistory of Debris Fires
• Debris fires extracted from fire Debris fires extracted from fire history database for the period 1961- history database for the period 1961- 2000. Sorted by size, month, cost, 2000. Sorted by size, month, cost, cause and location.cause and location.• Since 1961, debris has been involved Since 1961, debris has been involved
in more than 3,200 fires as a primary in more than 3,200 fires as a primary or secondary fuel.or secondary fuel.• Lightning and land clearing activities Lightning and land clearing activities
are major sources of ignition.are major sources of ignition.
• Debris fires extracted from fire Debris fires extracted from fire history database for the period 1961- history database for the period 1961- 2000. Sorted by size, month, cost, 2000. Sorted by size, month, cost, cause and location.cause and location.• Since 1961, debris has been involved Since 1961, debris has been involved
in more than 3,200 fires as a primary in more than 3,200 fires as a primary or secondary fuel.or secondary fuel.• Lightning and land clearing activities Lightning and land clearing activities
are major sources of ignition.are major sources of ignition.
Total Wildland Fires by Time Total Wildland Fires by Time PeriodPeriod
Total Wildland Fires by Time Total Wildland Fires by Time PeriodPeriod
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
1961-70 1971-80 1981-89 1990-2000
Time Period
To
tal N
um
be
r o
f F
ire
s
Debris Fires by Time PeriodDebris Fires by Time PeriodDebris Fires by Time PeriodDebris Fires by Time Period
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1961-70 1971-80 1981-89 1990-2000
Time Period
Nu
mb
er
of
Sla
sh
fir
es
Debris fires 1961-2000Debris fires 1961-2000Debris fires 1961-2000Debris fires 1961-2000
• Province wide Province wide distributiondistribution
• West-central West-central weightingweighting
• 3224 fires 3224 fires (~80/year or (~80/year or 10% of all fires)10% of all fires)
• Province wide Province wide distributiondistribution
• West-central West-central weightingweighting
• 3224 fires 3224 fires (~80/year or (~80/year or 10% of all fires)10% of all fires)
Fires by MonthFires by MonthFires by MonthFires by Month
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Jan
Feb Mar Apr
May
June Ju
lyAug
Sept
OctNov Dec
Month
Nu
mb
er
of
fire
s
IgnitionIgnitionIgnitionIgnition
Two primary causes:Two primary causes:
1.1. Lightning (~36%) June-August.Lightning (~36%) June-August.2.2. Land clearing: including forestry, Land clearing: including forestry,
transportation and private landowners. transportation and private landowners. (~30%) (May-June).(~30%) (May-June).
Other causes include: man accident (13%), Other causes include: man accident (13%), equipment (5%) and vandalism (4%).equipment (5%) and vandalism (4%).
Two primary causes:Two primary causes:
1.1. Lightning (~36%) June-August.Lightning (~36%) June-August.2.2. Land clearing: including forestry, Land clearing: including forestry,
transportation and private landowners. transportation and private landowners. (~30%) (May-June).(~30%) (May-June).
Other causes include: man accident (13%), Other causes include: man accident (13%), equipment (5%) and vandalism (4%).equipment (5%) and vandalism (4%).
Lightning Fires (34%)Lightning Fires (34%)Lightning Fires (34%)Lightning Fires (34%)
• Province wide Province wide distribution distribution with a with a grouping in the grouping in the west-central west-central region, the region, the lightning belt lightning belt in province.in province.• 1134 fires1134 fires
• Province wide Province wide distribution distribution with a with a grouping in the grouping in the west-central west-central region, the region, the lightning belt lightning belt in province.in province.• 1134 fires1134 fires
Industry FiresIndustry FiresIndustry FiresIndustry Fires
Includes:Includes:
• Oil and GasOil and Gas
• ForestryForestry
• Other IndustryOther Industry
• TransportationTransportation
• 675 fires675 fires
Includes:Includes:
• Oil and GasOil and Gas
• ForestryForestry
• Other IndustryOther Industry
• TransportationTransportation
• 675 fires675 fires
Winter FiresWinter FiresWinter FiresWinter FiresAlmost all burning occurs during winter; Almost all burning occurs during winter;
even with snow these can be problematic:even with snow these can be problematic:
• Wind eventsWind events can cause winter burns to can cause winter burns to escape. There are many examples of escape. There are many examples of Chinooks causing escapes resulting in Chinooks causing escapes resulting in fires of significant costs.fires of significant costs.
• Holdover firesHoldover fires. Fires burned during winter . Fires burned during winter and believed out, can re-surface and and believed out, can re-surface and escape in the spring. This problem escape in the spring. This problem appears to be increasing.appears to be increasing.
Almost all burning occurs during winter; Almost all burning occurs during winter; even with snow these can be problematic:even with snow these can be problematic:
• Wind eventsWind events can cause winter burns to can cause winter burns to escape. There are many examples of escape. There are many examples of Chinooks causing escapes resulting in Chinooks causing escapes resulting in fires of significant costs.fires of significant costs.
• Holdover firesHoldover fires. Fires burned during winter . Fires burned during winter and believed out, can re-surface and and believed out, can re-surface and escape in the spring. This problem escape in the spring. This problem appears to be increasing.appears to be increasing.
Over-wintering firesOver-wintering firesFires ignited during winter that re-surface Fires ignited during winter that re-surface
after April 1after April 1stst..
Over-wintering firesOver-wintering firesFires ignited during winter that re-surface Fires ignited during winter that re-surface
after April 1after April 1stst..
Time periodTime period Total Total Debris firesDebris fires
Over-Over-wintering fireswintering fires
1961- 821961- 82 901901 28 (3.1%)28 (3.1%)
1983 - 20001983 - 2000 594594 50 (8.4%)50 (8.4%)
Regional TrendsRegional Trendsandand Regional Solutions.Regional Solutions.
Regional TrendsRegional Trendsandand Regional Solutions.Regional Solutions.
The fire history revealed the number The fire history revealed the number number of fires, causes and stand types number of fires, causes and stand types vary in the province. Four regions stand vary in the province. Four regions stand out:out:
• SE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopesSE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopes• East-central – aspen debrisEast-central – aspen debris• West-central – lightning frequencyWest-central – lightning frequency• North – organic soils, lightning.North – organic soils, lightning.
The fire history revealed the number The fire history revealed the number number of fires, causes and stand types number of fires, causes and stand types vary in the province. Four regions stand vary in the province. Four regions stand out:out:
• SE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopesSE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopes• East-central – aspen debrisEast-central – aspen debris• West-central – lightning frequencyWest-central – lightning frequency• North – organic soils, lightning.North – organic soils, lightning.
RegionsRegionsRegionsRegions
1. SE Slopes
2. East-central
3. West-central
4. North
Southeast SlopesSoutheast SlopesSoutheast SlopesSoutheast Slopes
• Abundant debris from decadent stands, Abundant debris from decadent stands, steep slopes.steep slopes.
• Fewer debris fires than other regions – Fewer debris fires than other regions – but large, intense, expensive fires have but large, intense, expensive fires have recently occurred.recently occurred.
• Winter burning is a concern – unreliable Winter burning is a concern – unreliable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable winds create problematic conditions.winds create problematic conditions.
• Better knowledge of Chinooks required.Better knowledge of Chinooks required.
• Abundant debris from decadent stands, Abundant debris from decadent stands, steep slopes.steep slopes.
• Fewer debris fires than other regions – Fewer debris fires than other regions – but large, intense, expensive fires have but large, intense, expensive fires have recently occurred.recently occurred.
• Winter burning is a concern – unreliable Winter burning is a concern – unreliable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable winds create problematic conditions.winds create problematic conditions.
• Better knowledge of Chinooks required.Better knowledge of Chinooks required.
Southeast SlopesSoutheast SlopesPotential TreatmentsPotential TreatmentsSoutheast SlopesSoutheast SlopesPotential TreatmentsPotential Treatments
• Must burn debris – problematic in Must burn debris – problematic in wildfires.wildfires.
• 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife piles (based on fire history).piles (based on fire history).
• Development of an east-slope scale Development of an east-slope scale ‘Chinook Risk’ map.‘Chinook Risk’ map.
• Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans.Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans.
• Must burn debris – problematic in Must burn debris – problematic in wildfires.wildfires.
• 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife piles (based on fire history).piles (based on fire history).
• Development of an east-slope scale Development of an east-slope scale ‘Chinook Risk’ map.‘Chinook Risk’ map.
• Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans.Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans.
East-central RegionEast-central RegionEast-central RegionEast-central Region
• Characterized by large stand Characterized by large stand replacing fires.replacing fires.• Aspen is a harvested species.Aspen is a harvested species.• Little research of fire behaviour in Little research of fire behaviour in
aspen debris.aspen debris.• Aspen piles have recently Aspen piles have recently
contributed to problematic fire contributed to problematic fire behaviour.behaviour.
• Characterized by large stand Characterized by large stand replacing fires.replacing fires.• Aspen is a harvested species.Aspen is a harvested species.• Little research of fire behaviour in Little research of fire behaviour in
aspen debris.aspen debris.• Aspen piles have recently Aspen piles have recently
contributed to problematic fire contributed to problematic fire behaviour.behaviour.
East-central RegionEast-central RegionPotential TreatmentsPotential Treatments
East-central RegionEast-central RegionPotential TreatmentsPotential Treatments
• Increase distance between aspen Increase distance between aspen piles. Size limits to the piles.piles. Size limits to the piles.
• Eliminate all coniferous debris.Eliminate all coniferous debris.
• Spreading aspen debris may be a Spreading aspen debris may be a potential solution.potential solution.
• Debris-free distance around values-Debris-free distance around values-at-risk (using WTA).at-risk (using WTA).
• Increase distance between aspen Increase distance between aspen piles. Size limits to the piles.piles. Size limits to the piles.
• Eliminate all coniferous debris.Eliminate all coniferous debris.
• Spreading aspen debris may be a Spreading aspen debris may be a potential solution.potential solution.
• Debris-free distance around values-Debris-free distance around values-at-risk (using WTA).at-risk (using WTA).
West-central RegionWest-central RegionWest-central RegionWest-central Region
Significantly more fires than any other Significantly more fires than any other regions: Why?regions: Why?
• Region lies in THE lightning belt.Region lies in THE lightning belt.• Heavy industry use over along time period.Heavy industry use over along time period.• Influenced by Chinook in western portion. Influenced by Chinook in western portion. • Increase in over-winter firesIncrease in over-winter fires
Significantly more fires than any other Significantly more fires than any other regions: Why?regions: Why?
• Region lies in THE lightning belt.Region lies in THE lightning belt.• Heavy industry use over along time period.Heavy industry use over along time period.• Influenced by Chinook in western portion. Influenced by Chinook in western portion. • Increase in over-winter firesIncrease in over-winter fires
West-central RegionWest-central RegionPotential SolutionsPotential Solutions
West-central RegionWest-central RegionPotential SolutionsPotential Solutions
• Lightning location study.Lightning location study.
• Lightning mitigation techniques Lightning mitigation techniques (are there any?).(are there any?).
• One pile/4 hectares for wildlife One pile/4 hectares for wildlife piles.piles.
• Development of infrared scanning Development of infrared scanning standards (includes equipment).standards (includes equipment).
• Lightning location study.Lightning location study.
• Lightning mitigation techniques Lightning mitigation techniques (are there any?).(are there any?).
• One pile/4 hectares for wildlife One pile/4 hectares for wildlife piles.piles.
• Development of infrared scanning Development of infrared scanning standards (includes equipment).standards (includes equipment).
Northern RegionNorthern RegionNorthern RegionNorthern Region
• Aspen also harvested.Aspen also harvested.
• Highest percentage of lightning Highest percentage of lightning caused debris fires.caused debris fires.
• Generally stable winter burning Generally stable winter burning conditions (few over-winter fires).conditions (few over-winter fires).
• Ground fires are a concern.Ground fires are a concern.
• Aspen also harvested.Aspen also harvested.
• Highest percentage of lightning Highest percentage of lightning caused debris fires.caused debris fires.
• Generally stable winter burning Generally stable winter burning conditions (few over-winter fires).conditions (few over-winter fires).
• Ground fires are a concern.Ground fires are a concern.
Northern RegionNorthern RegionSolutionsSolutions
Northern RegionNorthern RegionSolutionsSolutions
• Soils map.Soils map.• Aspen wildlife piles.Aspen wildlife piles.• Lightning mitigation techniques.Lightning mitigation techniques.• Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry
and land-owners.and land-owners.• Combine FWI & snow-on-ground Combine FWI & snow-on-ground
data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for burning.burning.
• Soils map.Soils map.• Aspen wildlife piles.Aspen wildlife piles.• Lightning mitigation techniques.Lightning mitigation techniques.• Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry
and land-owners.and land-owners.• Combine FWI & snow-on-ground Combine FWI & snow-on-ground
data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for burning.burning.
Existing Fire Behaviour Existing Fire Behaviour ResearchResearch(available on web)(available on web)
Existing Fire Behaviour Existing Fire Behaviour ResearchResearch(available on web)(available on web)
Some research has occurred in the Some research has occurred in the following areas:following areas:• Pile shapePile shape• Debris loading hazards - quantityDebris loading hazards - quantity• Debris age and hazard – needle Debris age and hazard – needle
retentionretention• Moisture Content studies (age)Moisture Content studies (age)• Aspen fire behaviour (limited)Aspen fire behaviour (limited)• Spotting modelsSpotting models
Some research has occurred in the Some research has occurred in the following areas:following areas:• Pile shapePile shape• Debris loading hazards - quantityDebris loading hazards - quantity• Debris age and hazard – needle Debris age and hazard – needle
retentionretention• Moisture Content studies (age)Moisture Content studies (age)• Aspen fire behaviour (limited)Aspen fire behaviour (limited)• Spotting modelsSpotting models
Knowledge GapsKnowledge GapsKnowledge GapsKnowledge Gaps
• Document fire behaviour in both conifer Document fire behaviour in both conifer and aspen debris using case studies and aspen debris using case studies and ‘experimental’ debris fires. and ‘experimental’ debris fires.
• Determine a scientifically based pile-to-Determine a scientifically based pile-to-pile distance to mitigate influence of pile distance to mitigate influence of debris piles during wildfires that debris piles during wildfires that includes:includes:
1. Spread via spotting
2. Spread from radiation
3. Spread by direct contact
• Document fire behaviour in both conifer Document fire behaviour in both conifer and aspen debris using case studies and aspen debris using case studies and ‘experimental’ debris fires. and ‘experimental’ debris fires.
• Determine a scientifically based pile-to-Determine a scientifically based pile-to-pile distance to mitigate influence of pile distance to mitigate influence of debris piles during wildfires that debris piles during wildfires that includes:includes:
1. Spread via spotting
2. Spread from radiation
3. Spread by direct contact
Knowledge Gaps (con’d)Knowledge Gaps (con’d)Knowledge Gaps (con’d)Knowledge Gaps (con’d)
Debris Arrangement:Debris Arrangement:
Are there debris arrangements that Are there debris arrangements that may decrease fire intensity? I.e.,may decrease fire intensity? I.e.,
• SpreadingSpreading
• Pile size and shapePile size and shape
• Spatial distributionSpatial distribution
• Species specific guidelinesSpecies specific guidelines
Debris Arrangement:Debris Arrangement:
Are there debris arrangements that Are there debris arrangements that may decrease fire intensity? I.e.,may decrease fire intensity? I.e.,
• SpreadingSpreading
• Pile size and shapePile size and shape
• Spatial distributionSpatial distribution
• Species specific guidelinesSpecies specific guidelines
Mechanised SolutionsMechanised SolutionsMechanised SolutionsMechanised Solutions• Slash bundler - cogenSlash bundler - cogen
• ChippingChipping
• Mulching – “The Bull”Mulching – “The Bull”
May be used in targeted areas, but at this May be used in targeted areas, but at this time uneconomic to treat all blocks.time uneconomic to treat all blocks.
• Slash bundler - cogenSlash bundler - cogen
• ChippingChipping
• Mulching – “The Bull”Mulching – “The Bull”
May be used in targeted areas, but at this May be used in targeted areas, but at this time uneconomic to treat all blocks.time uneconomic to treat all blocks.
