B.C. Ministry of Forests Forest Science Program
		Abstract for FRDA Handbook 001

		Field Handbook for Prescribed Fire Assessments in British Columbia: Logging Slash Fuels
		Authors or Ministry Contacts: R. Trowbridge, B. Hawkes, A. Macadam and J. Parminter
		Branch: Research
		Subject: Fire Management
		Series:  FRDA Handbook
		Other details: Published April 1989

Abstract

This handbook presents methods for prescribed fire assessments in logging slash fuels. It describes the procedures required for making pre-burn assessments, observations during the fire and post-burn assessments. All procedures are oriented towards documenting and evaluating broadcast prescribed fire.

This handbook was designed to document the prescribed fire treatment and to assess the success or failure of specific fire prescriptions. The assessments are plot based. Sites must be stratified according to topography and ecosystem distribution, and fuel type and loading. A minimum of two plots per stratum are required for an assessment. One or more assessments may be done on any treatment site.

Read through the handbook carefully and refer to the text when completing the forms. Once experienced, two people can complete the pre-burn assessment in one day. The post-burn assessment will usually be completed by two people in less than half a day. Office time is required to complete some sections of the forms and this will vary in length, depending on such factors as the ease of locating the information and the type of weather instrumentation.

A computer program is available to calculate the pre- and post-burn fuel loadings and depth of reduction of the soil organic layer. Contact John Parminter of the Research Branch of the Ministry of Forests for information.

Note that the biogeoclimatic units given in Appendix 5 have been renamed since this handbook was published. Be sure to follow the current nomenclature.

Download  FRDA Handbook 001 (1.43MB) Download form FS#813 - Prescribed Fire Assessment
	To view this document you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for free at the Adobe Web Site.