Ignition and burning of selected tree species from tropical and northern temperate zones

Abstract

Wood is a combustible material. Not all types of wood, however, react to ignition and burning the same way. This can vary significantly depending on the type of wood, because the physical structure (morphology), density, as well as chemical composition of the wood can significantly affect its fire behavior. In this study, eight different types of tree species, four from the northern temperate zone and four from the tropical zone, were studied to determine their fire behavior. The results show different behaviors in all the species studied. It was found that although there is some correlation between density and positive fire behavior, these factors are not always determining.

Keywords

• Growth site
• Fire behavior
• Wood properties
• Burning
• Ignition