An Assessment of Prescribed Burns in Hawai‘i to Identify Training Opportunities and Limitations to Mitigating Long-Term Damage of Wildfires to Communities and Ecosystem.
An Assessment of Prescribed Burns in Hawai‘i to Identify Training Opportunities and Limitations to Mitigating Long-Term Damage of Wildfires to Communities and Ecosystem.
Date
2022
Authors
Ritchey, Tanner
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Trauernicht, Parker
Department
Oceanography
Global Environmental Science
Global Environmental Science
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Abstract
Wildfires are an important part of terrestrial ecosystems and plays a large role in the recycling of nutrients and clearing of debris to allow for new vegetation growth. However, in recent decades increased human activity has resulted in millions more acres of land being burned that would otherwise not occur naturally. The purpose of this thesis is to assess the benefits and ideal size and frequency of prescribed burns in Hawai‘i and to identify the potential wildfire training opportunities for first responders. This critical assessment discusses the various weather and topographical parameters, necessary burn plans, and public communication that is necessary to have a safe and effective prescribed burn in the state of Hawai‘i. Comparisons between mainland and Hawai‘i agencies help establish that burn techniques differ in each region. Conducting in-person interviews with state and fire officials and surveying a live prescribed burn offer an effective way to gather information on the possibility of state-wide burn plans. This research is ultimately limited to the current state of the climate and may need to be revised to account for climate change.
Description
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wildfire,
ecosystem,
control burn
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26 pages
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Ritchey, Tanner
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