A model-based evaluation of post-fire fuels management approaches to mitigating future wildfire severity in dry coniferous forests

Background High-severity fires leave behind a pulse of dead trees that contribute to fuel accumulation over time. Prescribed fire and logging fire-killed trees can reduce surface woody fuels after fire, but their effects on subsequent wildfire effects are not well understood. Aims This study examined the potential for post-fire logging and prescribed burning to manage post-fire fuels and mitigate future wildfire effects. Methods We used surface woody fuel surveys from high severity patches within 68 wildfires (1970–2007) to model post-fire logging effects on fuel consumption and fire effects in simulated wildfires and prescribed fires. Key results Post-fire logging reduced simulated wildfire intensity and severity starting 5–10 years after the initial wildfire. Prescribed burning reduced small diameter woody fuels considerably but effects on large woody fuels were often minimal. Conclusions Post-fire logging and prescribed fire are complementary approaches for managing post-fire fuels: logging reduced large-diameter woody fuel loads while prescribed fire primarily reduced fine fuels. Implications The combination of post-fire logging and prescribed fire can be effective management approaches for reducing surface woody fuels and potential future wildfire severity, the most appropriate approach is likely to vary based on conditions after the initial high-severity wildfire, anticipated fuel accumulation and management objectives.