Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Chaparral and fire

January 1, 2007

Large wildfires are an inevitable feature of chaparral. The moderate temperatures during winter promote growth of extensive stands of shrublands with contiguous fuels covering massive portions of the landscape. The summer-fall drought makes these fuels highly flammable over a relatively lengthy portion of the year. Because of widespread human influence, most fires today are anthropogenic; however, in wilderness areas lightning still accounts for some chaparral fires.

Publication Year 2007
Title Chaparral and fire
Authors Jon E. Keeley
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Fremontia
Index ID 70190539
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Western Ecological Research Center