Classifying burn intensities by hand for an area as large as the Sanford would be a difficult if not impossible task. But thanks to modern technology, it’s as simple as having a satellite in the right place at the right time. Vegetation types as well as burn intensities can be classified by using a remote sensing satellite and analyzing infra-red spectrum readings. Then, the readings are placed onto a map and adjusted using fire severity ratings derived from Fire’s Effects on Ecosystems. This system uses a three-part classification of: low, moderate and high:

In a low severity burn area, vegetation may be consumed or charred and there may be ash on the surface. However, surface organic matter is still intact, there is often unburned vegetation within the burned area, and many grasses and shrub roots survive the fire and sprout again in a few weeks.

Moderate severity burns may leave the top _ inch of mineral soil charred, but the forest vegetation structure is not altered. The light colored ash layers and duff on the surface contain recognizable fragments of needles, leaves and other litter. Overall, small woody debris is consumed, vegetation is deeply charred (but some needles or leaves can remain on trees) and large downed logs are charred. Sometimes the charred soils can act as a weak or moderate water repellent.

High severity burns leave the soil surface orange or red and can char the top 4 inches of soil. In addition, the organic matter in the soil is destroyed, making it difficult to return to pre-existing conditions. Vegetation and woody debris are largely consumed and a thick layer of light or white ash, containing little if any recognizable fragments of litter remains on the surface *(Debano, et. al., 1998).

According to this classification system, 5% of the Sanford burned at low intensity, 35% at moderate intensity, 10% at high intensity and 50% was unburned **(Summers, 2002). Knowing the different burn intensities helps resource personnel prepare emergency responses to the most severe areas.

*DeBano, L.F., Neary D.G., Ffolliot, P.F. 1998. Fire’s effects on ecosystems. John Wiley & Sons, 333 p. (As cited in: Lott, J. and Brecher, C. 2002. Sanford BAER Soil Resources Report. Soils specialist report).

**Summers, P.R., 2002. Sanford Fire Monitoring Plan. U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service. (Draft).

50% of the vegetation within the Sanford Perimeter remained unburned.