Fuel dynamics in an urban fringe dry sclerophyl forest in Victoria

Abstract

SummaryUrban fringe forests surrounding many Australian cities are among the most hazardous areas in terms of potential loss of lives and property from fire. Fuel dynamics in dry sclerophyll forest to the north east of Melbourne have been studied, using sites which had either been unburned for more than 20 years, or burnt by low-intensity fuel reduction fires. The quasi steady state mass of accumulated litter was about 15–20 t/ha. with some variation from year to year. The quantity and composition of the litter changed with time after burning and levels of accumulated litter were higher after a period of drought. Mathematical models of litter accumulation following burning suggest that fuel reduction burning would need to be carried out every 3–5 years to remain effective in significantly assisting fire control. This burning frequency has implications for fire management programs, and may be undesirable for ecological reasons in many areas.