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.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2007 |
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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 |