Debris Management in Alberta Fuel Management Workshop October 2003 Greg Baxter Researcher, WFORG FERIC Western Division

BackgroundBackground Debris management has been an issue since the 1890’s when the first tree was harvested (P. Murphy) Debris management has been an issue since the 1890’s when the first tree was harvested (P. Murphy) “The Dominion Timber Regulations were amended in 1898 to include requirements for disposal of logging debris and to require timber operators to share the costs of forest protection”. This problem has been studied a number of times – this being the most recent. This problem has been studied a number of times – this being the most recent. Debris management has been an issue since the 1890’s when the first tree was harvested (P. Murphy) Debris management has been an issue since the 1890’s when the first tree was harvested (P. Murphy) “The Dominion Timber Regulations were amended in 1898 to include requirements for disposal of logging debris and to require timber operators to share the costs of forest protection”. This problem has been studied a number of times – this being the most recent. This problem has been studied a number of times – this being the most recent.

Past Work ( examples ) Bennett, W.D The reduction of forest fire hazard created by logging slash. Bennett, W.D The reduction of forest fire hazard created by logging slash. Literature review Kiil, A.D – moisture content of slash fuels. Kiil, A.D – moisture content of slash fuels. Also moisture content study five years after logging (1968) 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of slash hazard on logging operations (Benson, J.E) 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of slash hazard on logging operations (Benson, J.E) (Hazard rating system and ‘wildfires from slash have not caused us any problems to date’. Bennett, W.D The reduction of forest fire hazard created by logging slash. Bennett, W.D The reduction of forest fire hazard created by logging slash. Literature review Kiil, A.D – moisture content of slash fuels. Kiil, A.D – moisture content of slash fuels. Also moisture content study five years after logging (1968) 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of slash hazard on logging operations (Benson, J.E) 1972 Task Force report for the reduction of slash hazard on logging operations (Benson, J.E) (Hazard rating system and ‘wildfires from slash have not caused us any problems to date’.

Past Work Little quantitative data collected on fire behaviour (intensities and spread mechanisms) of debris and piles involved in wildfires. Little quantitative data collected on fire behaviour (intensities and spread mechanisms) of debris and piles involved in wildfires.

Current Issues Provincial legislation states that slash hazard reduction is required – within 24 months (primarily by burning). Provincial legislation states that slash hazard reduction is required – within 24 months (primarily by burning). Some Companies would rather spread debris or pile and not burn – mostly due to liability concerns. Some Companies would rather spread debris or pile and not burn – mostly due to liability concerns. Are there alternatives? Are there alternatives? Can we learn from the fire history or case studies of fire behaviour? Are there species differences? Can we learn from the fire history or case studies of fire behaviour? Are there species differences? Provincial legislation states that slash hazard reduction is required – within 24 months (primarily by burning). Provincial legislation states that slash hazard reduction is required – within 24 months (primarily by burning). Some Companies would rather spread debris or pile and not burn – mostly due to liability concerns. Some Companies would rather spread debris or pile and not burn – mostly due to liability concerns. Are there alternatives? Are there alternatives? Can we learn from the fire history or case studies of fire behaviour? Are there species differences? Can we learn from the fire history or case studies of fire behaviour? Are there species differences?

Recent High Profile Fires Involving Debris 1998 Slave Lake Fires 1998 Slave Lake Fires 2000 Cherry Hill Fire 2000 Cherry Hill Fire 2001 Chisholm Fire 2001 Chisholm Fire 2002 House River Fire 2002 House River Fire 2003 Lost Creek Fire 2003 Lost Creek Fire 1998 Slave Lake Fires 1998 Slave Lake Fires 2000 Cherry Hill Fire 2000 Cherry Hill Fire 2001 Chisholm Fire 2001 Chisholm Fire 2002 House River Fire 2002 House River Fire 2003 Lost Creek Fire 2003 Lost Creek Fire

Observed Problematic Fire Behaviour Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to forest). Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to forest). Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or direct flame contact). Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or direct flame contact). Grass fire behaviour combined with heavy fuel loads. Grass fire behaviour combined with heavy fuel loads. Overnight fire spread. Overnight fire spread. Difficult/expensive to extinguish. Difficult/expensive to extinguish. Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to forest). Spotting (pile-to-pile and pile to forest). Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or direct flame contact). Pile-to-pile spread (radiation or direct flame contact). Grass fire behaviour combined with heavy fuel loads. Grass fire behaviour combined with heavy fuel loads. Overnight fire spread. Overnight fire spread. Difficult/expensive to extinguish. Difficult/expensive to extinguish.

History of Debris Fires Debris fires extracted from fire history database for the period Sorted by size, month, cost, cause and location. Debris fires extracted from fire history database for the period Sorted by size, month, cost, cause and location. Since 1961, debris has been involved in more than 3,200 fires as a primary or secondary fuel. Since 1961, debris has been involved in more than 3,200 fires as a primary or secondary fuel. Lightning and land clearing activities are major sources of ignition. Lightning and land clearing activities are major sources of ignition. Debris fires extracted from fire history database for the period Sorted by size, month, cost, cause and location. Debris fires extracted from fire history database for the period Sorted by size, month, cost, cause and location. Since 1961, debris has been involved in more than 3,200 fires as a primary or secondary fuel. Since 1961, debris has been involved in more than 3,200 fires as a primary or secondary fuel. Lightning and land clearing activities are major sources of ignition. Lightning and land clearing activities are major sources of ignition.

Total Wildland Fires by Time Period

Debris Fires by Time Period

Debris fires Province wide distribution Province wide distribution West-central weighting West-central weighting 3224 fires (~80/year or 10% of all fires) 3224 fires (~80/year or 10% of all fires) Province wide distribution Province wide distribution West-central weighting West-central weighting 3224 fires (~80/year or 10% of all fires) 3224 fires (~80/year or 10% of all fires)

Fires by Month

IgnitionIgnition Two primary causes: 1. Lightning (~36%) June-August. 2. Land clearing: including forestry, transportation and private landowners. (~30%) (May-June). Other causes include: man accident (13%), equipment (5%) and vandalism (4%). Two primary causes: 1. Lightning (~36%) June-August. 2. Land clearing: including forestry, transportation and private landowners. (~30%) (May-June). Other causes include: man accident (13%), equipment (5%) and vandalism (4%).

Lightning Fires (34%) Province wide distribution with a grouping in the west-central region, the lightning belt in province. Province wide distribution with a grouping in the west-central region, the lightning belt in province fires 1134 fires Province wide distribution with a grouping in the west-central region, the lightning belt in province. Province wide distribution with a grouping in the west-central region, the lightning belt in province fires 1134 fires

Industry Fires Includes: Oil and Gas Oil and Gas Forestry Forestry Other Industry Other Industry Transportation Transportation 675 fires 675 firesIncludes: Oil and Gas Oil and Gas Forestry Forestry Other Industry Other Industry Transportation Transportation 675 fires 675 fires

Winter Fires Almost all burning occurs during winter; even with snow these can be problematic: Wind events can cause winter burns to escape. There are many examples of Chinooks causing escapes resulting in fires of significant costs. Wind events can cause winter burns to escape. There are many examples of Chinooks causing escapes resulting in fires of significant costs. Holdover fires. Fires burned during winter and believed out, can re-surface and escape in the spring. This problem appears to be increasing. Holdover fires. Fires burned during winter and believed out, can re-surface and escape in the spring. This problem appears to be increasing. Almost all burning occurs during winter; even with snow these can be problematic: Wind events can cause winter burns to escape. There are many examples of Chinooks causing escapes resulting in fires of significant costs. Wind events can cause winter burns to escape. There are many examples of Chinooks causing escapes resulting in fires of significant costs. Holdover fires. Fires burned during winter and believed out, can re-surface and escape in the spring. This problem appears to be increasing. Holdover fires. Fires burned during winter and believed out, can re-surface and escape in the spring. This problem appears to be increasing.

Over-wintering fires Fires ignited during winter that re-surface after April 1 st. Time period Total Debris fires Over- wintering fires (3.1%) (8.4%)

Regional Trends and Regional Solutions. The fire history revealed the number number of fires, causes and stand types vary in the province. Four regions stand out: The fire history revealed the number number of fires, causes and stand types vary in the province. Four regions stand out: SE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopes SE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopes East-central – aspen debris East-central – aspen debris West-central – lightning frequency West-central – lightning frequency North – organic soils, lightning. North – organic soils, lightning. The fire history revealed the number number of fires, causes and stand types vary in the province. Four regions stand out: The fire history revealed the number number of fires, causes and stand types vary in the province. Four regions stand out: SE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopes SE Slopes – Chinooks, steep slopes East-central – aspen debris East-central – aspen debris West-central – lightning frequency West-central – lightning frequency North – organic soils, lightning. North – organic soils, lightning.

RegionsRegions 1.SE Slopes 2.East-central 3.West-central 4.North

Southeast Slopes Abundant debris from decadent stands, steep slopes. Abundant debris from decadent stands, steep slopes. Fewer debris fires than other regions – but large, intense, expensive fires have recently occurred. Fewer debris fires than other regions – but large, intense, expensive fires have recently occurred. Winter burning is a concern – unreliable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable winds create problematic conditions. Winter burning is a concern – unreliable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable winds create problematic conditions. Better knowledge of Chinooks required. Better knowledge of Chinooks required. Abundant debris from decadent stands, steep slopes. Abundant debris from decadent stands, steep slopes. Fewer debris fires than other regions – but large, intense, expensive fires have recently occurred. Fewer debris fires than other regions – but large, intense, expensive fires have recently occurred. Winter burning is a concern – unreliable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable winds create problematic conditions. Winter burning is a concern – unreliable snowpacks and strong, unpredictable winds create problematic conditions. Better knowledge of Chinooks required. Better knowledge of Chinooks required.

Southeast Slopes Potential Treatments Must burn debris – problematic in wildfires. Must burn debris – problematic in wildfires. 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife piles (based on fire history). 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife piles (based on fire history). Development of an east-slope scale ‘Chinook Risk’ map. Development of an east-slope scale ‘Chinook Risk’ map. Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans. Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans. Must burn debris – problematic in wildfires. Must burn debris – problematic in wildfires. 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife piles (based on fire history). 1 in 4 piles can be left as wildlife piles (based on fire history). Development of an east-slope scale ‘Chinook Risk’ map. Development of an east-slope scale ‘Chinook Risk’ map. Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans. Use of ‘Simple’ burn plans.

East-central Region Characterized by large stand replacing fires. Characterized by large stand replacing fires. Aspen is a harvested species. Aspen is a harvested species. Little research of fire behaviour in aspen debris. Little research of fire behaviour in aspen debris. Aspen piles have recently contributed to problematic fire behaviour. Aspen piles have recently contributed to problematic fire behaviour. Characterized by large stand replacing fires. Characterized by large stand replacing fires. Aspen is a harvested species. Aspen is a harvested species. Little research of fire behaviour in aspen debris. Little research of fire behaviour in aspen debris. Aspen piles have recently contributed to problematic fire behaviour. Aspen piles have recently contributed to problematic fire behaviour.

East-central Region Potential Treatments Increase distance between aspen piles. Size limits to the piles. Increase distance between aspen piles. Size limits to the piles. Eliminate all coniferous debris. Eliminate all coniferous debris. Spreading aspen debris may be a potential solution. Spreading aspen debris may be a potential solution. Debris-free distance around values- at-risk (using WTA). Debris-free distance around values- at-risk (using WTA). Increase distance between aspen piles. Size limits to the piles. Increase distance between aspen piles. Size limits to the piles. Eliminate all coniferous debris. Eliminate all coniferous debris. Spreading aspen debris may be a potential solution. Spreading aspen debris may be a potential solution. Debris-free distance around values- at-risk (using WTA). Debris-free distance around values- at-risk (using WTA).

West-central Region Significantly more fires than any other regions: Why? Region lies in THE lightning belt. Region lies in THE lightning belt. Heavy industry use over along time period. Heavy industry use over along time period. Influenced by Chinook in western portion. Influenced by Chinook in western portion. Increase in over-winter fires Increase in over-winter fires Significantly more fires than any other regions: Why? Region lies in THE lightning belt. Region lies in THE lightning belt. Heavy industry use over along time period. Heavy industry use over along time period. Influenced by Chinook in western portion. Influenced by Chinook in western portion. Increase in over-winter fires Increase in over-winter fires

West-central Region Potential Solutions Lightning location study. Lightning location study. Lightning mitigation techniques (are there any?). Lightning mitigation techniques (are there any?). One pile/4 hectares for wildlife piles. One pile/4 hectares for wildlife piles. Development of infrared scanning standards (includes equipment). Development of infrared scanning standards (includes equipment). Lightning location study. Lightning location study. Lightning mitigation techniques (are there any?). Lightning mitigation techniques (are there any?). One pile/4 hectares for wildlife piles. One pile/4 hectares for wildlife piles. Development of infrared scanning standards (includes equipment). Development of infrared scanning standards (includes equipment).

Northern Region Aspen also harvested. Aspen also harvested. Highest percentage of lightning caused debris fires. Highest percentage of lightning caused debris fires. Generally stable winter burning conditions (few over-winter fires). Generally stable winter burning conditions (few over-winter fires). Ground fires are a concern. Ground fires are a concern. Aspen also harvested. Aspen also harvested. Highest percentage of lightning caused debris fires. Highest percentage of lightning caused debris fires. Generally stable winter burning conditions (few over-winter fires). Generally stable winter burning conditions (few over-winter fires). Ground fires are a concern. Ground fires are a concern.

Northern Region Solutions Soils map. Soils map. Aspen wildlife piles. Aspen wildlife piles. Lightning mitigation techniques. Lightning mitigation techniques. Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry and land-owners. Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry and land-owners. Combine FWI & snow-on-ground data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for burning. Combine FWI & snow-on-ground data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for burning. Soils map. Soils map. Aspen wildlife piles. Aspen wildlife piles. Lightning mitigation techniques. Lightning mitigation techniques. Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry and land-owners. Pile burn ‘checklist’ for industry and land-owners. Combine FWI & snow-on-ground data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for burning. Combine FWI & snow-on-ground data to develop a ‘risk’ chart for burning.

Existing Fire Behaviour Research (available on web) Some research has occurred in the following areas: Pile shape Pile shape Debris loading hazards - quantity Debris loading hazards - quantity Debris age and hazard – needle retention Debris age and hazard – needle retention Moisture Content studies (age) Moisture Content studies (age) Aspen fire behaviour (limited) Aspen fire behaviour (limited) Spotting models Spotting models Some research has occurred in the following areas: Pile shape Pile shape Debris loading hazards - quantity Debris loading hazards - quantity Debris age and hazard – needle retention Debris age and hazard – needle retention Moisture Content studies (age) Moisture Content studies (age) Aspen fire behaviour (limited) Aspen fire behaviour (limited) Spotting models Spotting models

Knowledge Gaps Document fire behaviour in both conifer and aspen debris using case studies and ‘experimental’ debris fires. Document fire behaviour in both conifer and aspen debris using case studies and ‘experimental’ debris fires. Determine a scientifically based pile-to- pile distance to mitigate influence of debris piles during wildfires that includes: Determine a scientifically based pile-to- pile distance to mitigate influence of debris piles during wildfires that includes: 1.Spread via spotting 2.Spread from radiation 3.Spread by direct contact Document fire behaviour in both conifer and aspen debris using case studies and ‘experimental’ debris fires. Document fire behaviour in both conifer and aspen debris using case studies and ‘experimental’ debris fires. Determine a scientifically based pile-to- pile distance to mitigate influence of debris piles during wildfires that includes: Determine a scientifically based pile-to- pile distance to mitigate influence of debris piles during wildfires that includes: 1.Spread via spotting 2.Spread from radiation 3.Spread by direct contact

Knowledge Gaps (con’d) Debris Arrangement: Are there debris arrangements that may decrease fire intensity? I.e., Spreading Spreading Pile size and shape Pile size and shape Spatial distribution Spatial distribution Species specific guidelines Species specific guidelines Debris Arrangement: Are there debris arrangements that may decrease fire intensity? I.e., Spreading Spreading Pile size and shape Pile size and shape Spatial distribution Spatial distribution Species specific guidelines Species specific guidelines

Mechanised Solutions Slash bundler - cogen Slash bundler - cogen Chipping Chipping Mulching – “The Bull” Mulching – “The Bull” May be used in targeted areas, but at this time uneconomic to treat all blocks. Slash bundler - cogen Slash bundler - cogen Chipping Chipping Mulching – “The Bull” Mulching – “The Bull” May be used in targeted areas, but at this time uneconomic to treat all blocks.