Fires in Shrublands
Shrubland fires tend to be within the canopy more than on the ground. They can also spread continuously if the shrubs are close enough together. It’s important to understand their ecology to know how to manage them and
why they’re so important.
Dry with Highly Volatile Fuels
Most shrubland fires happen in dry areas. They have highly volatile fuels around, which makes sections catching alight much easier. The fires follow the path of least resistance, and in this case, that means the path of least moisture. They love the areas where a lot of dead fuel lies.
Hillsides are extremely common for shrub fires. They have the most dead material and get the most heat, drying out the plants and the soil.
Hotter Temperatures Than Forest Fires
One of the big differences between shrubland fires and forest fires is the temperature of the soil, both surface and below ground. They will tend to be much higher than forest fires due to the center of the fire burning closer to the ground.
There is also a lot more material that is likely to catch alight. Coyote Brush, chaise, and manzanita are among the most common plants and chaparral that will catch fire.
California Shrubland Fires
In California, a shrub known as chaparral is the most common reason for shrubland fires to spread. The chaparral is the most widespread plant in the community, usually growing on the sloping areas around the California coast. You’ll also find them in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, another common area for shrubland fires.
Salal, coffeeberry, toyonm and Western poison oak are among other common shrubs that form in the area. They grow after the fires, leading to more fuel for later fires.
South African Fynbos Shrubland Fires
There’s a small section of South Africa where the fynbos grows. This is a diverse plant that requires fires to be able to germinate and grow afterward. They help to improve the area after a fire, growing even in the most nutrient-poor soils in the area.
These types of plants won’t have deep roots. They’re designed to die during the next fire, germinating quickly and re-growing in the area. They have adapted to work for the fire-prone areas.