Current fuel loads adjacent to private lands range from 20 to 50 tons per acre, which is known in fire circles as a “Fuel Model 10.” An area with a Fuel Model 10, like in this photo, has lots of logs lying on the ground, trees with limbs that extend to the ground (which helps fire climb into trees [ladder fuels]), and is thick with small trees and other shrubs, so that a fire can quickly spread from tree to tree. The potential for a fast-spreading, high intensity fire in this situation is high! This type of fire would not be able to be stopped by a firefighter, and could potentially cause the loss of one’s life.
Although reducing fuels seems fairly straightforward and simple, issues such as alteration of wildlife habitat, effects of fuel reduction on threatened, endangered and sensitive species, and visual quality preferred by recreationists and landowners, have to be considered.
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