A recent review of fire behavior and fire effects on native vegetation in Central Chile

Abstract

Central Chile experienced a very extended and devastating fire season during 2016–17. After 3 years, here we present the results of an analysis of behavior of the wildfires occurred in that season. We used a modeling approach to estimate the physical parameters of fire behavior: speed of linear spread, front-line intensity and flame length; as well as qualified fire severity, and the potential danger of recurrent fires. We selected eight study areas in four regions of Central Chile, under sclerophyllous forest and shrublands with variable composition. To run the model, we gathered data on vegetation structure and composition, and physical information. The values of the physical parameters were in a comparable range in the eight studied areas, with two of these areas showing maximum values. This could result from differences in vegetation. We detected rapid regrowth post-fire, despite the high levels of fire intensity and damage, ascribed to a high availability of very dry fine biomass. Given the predictions of increased drought, we should expect recurrence of wildfires. Based on our results, we anticipate fires of high severity and damage, with emphasis in areas with very high increase of dry biomass. We suggest restoration programs, with frequent monitoring of passive restoration practices, resorting to more active physical support in areas more severely affected.

Keywords

• Forest fires
• Wildfires
• Fire severity
• Mediterranean Chile
• Native vegetation
• Sclerophyllous forest