Wildfire Fuel Mitigation

Definition

Reducing fuel load and combustibility in extended areas of property so if wildfire occurs it would burn at lesser intensity and be easier to manage. Targets coniferous trees; does not remove all risk. Purpose: mitigate risk, danger and losses to homes, communities and infrastructure where wildfire is present.

Eligibility Criteria

Covertypes with >50% softwood species and live crowns exceeding 50% within 100 meters of structure. Standing softwood stands within 100 meters in severe decline or dead not meeting live crown requirement also eligible.

Structures include: Homes, storage areas/sheds, communities, other fire susceptible infrastructure that would benefit from fuel mitigation.

Hardwood dominated stands provide natural fuel break and do not require intervention. Any site regardless of species eligible if qualified forest professional determines increased risk due to severe blowdown.

Guidelines and Assessment Procedures

• Generally small scale; best suited for chainsaw and, depending on stem size, brush saw
• Space coniferous trees so crowns are 2-3 m apart
• Basally prune trees 2 m up from ground
• All brush and harvested trees must be limbed, bucked and placed into centralized piles
• Deciduous trees, woody shrubs and ground vegetation do not need management
• Piles must be removed from site: burn in controlled manner, move off site to be chipped/sold for biomass or timber when piece size permits, or move to area where wildfire does not threaten structures
• When burning: suppression equipment readily available (back tanks, hand tools, established hose lay or muskeg). Piles can be burned in wintertime when fire risk lower
• Minimize damage to residual stand. Trees must not be felled into other trees. When basally pruning, saws must not cut into cambial layer under bark. Burn piles placed so flame heights and radiant heat does not burn or singe surrounding trees and vegetation
• If removing wood/debris from site, machinery should be small enough to not need designated path or damage ground