FireStem is a computer model designed to aid fire managers in predicting tree mortality based on fire behavior and intensity.

Eventually, the user will be able to input a range of species for a given ecosystem, run FireStem and review the mortality prediction for a range of diameters for each species. To date, we have developed and validated FireStem for four species, Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Chestnut Oak, and Red Maple. The mortality predictions used in FireStem are based on recent work by Dr. Matthew Dickinson at the USFS Northeastern Research Station and include the latest understanding of cambial tissue response to thermal injury. Other species will be added as their thermophysical properties are identified and validated.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Bret Butler, Research Mechanical Engineer

Staff

Dan Jimenez, Chemical Engineer

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The eventual goal is to produce mortality predictions based on fuel information, moisture, and fire behavior for a specified region and a range of tree species. These predictions will be based on the fundamental physical and biological processes that govern heat transfer and tissue necrosis and so should be transferrable between species and ecosystems.

PROJECT STATUS

The basis model has been developed and is available as a standalone software package. However, the inputs required by this model cannot currently be obtained from operational fire models like BEHAVEPlus and FARSITE. Our current efforts are focused on developing a cross walk methodology that will allow FireStem to be linked to fire models.

FUNDING ORGANIZATION

The majority of funding for this project was provided by the Joint Fire Science Program.

Downloads

FireStem requires 6 MB of memory and can be run on Windows 98, 2000 and NT.

Please visit www.FireModels.org to download the program or contact Bret Butler.

PUBLICATION

Jones, J.L., Webb, B.W., Jimenez, D., Reardon, J. and Butler, B.W., 2004. Development of an advanced one-dimensional stem heating model for application in surface fires. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 34: 20-30.

Jones, J.L., Webb, B.W., Butler, B.W., Dickinson, M.B., Jimenez, D., Reardon, J. and Bova, A.S., 2006. Prediction and measurement of thermally induced cambial tissue necrosis in tree stems. International Journal of Wildland Fire, 15(1): 3-17

Butler, B.W., Webb, B.W., Jimenez, D., Reardon, J.A. and Jones, J.L., 2005. Thermally induced bark swelling in four North American tree species. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 35: 452-460