Ground-Based, Line-Source Ignition Material for Prescribed Fires

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: A "Forest Health Crisis" exists in many areas of the United States, characterized by the build-up of forest vegetation as a result of over a century of effective fire suppression. This unnatural accumulation of fuels poses a significant risk to long-term forest health and to the safety of nearby communities in the event of a fire. Prescribed burning, the lighting and controlling of low-intensity fires, is often employed to reduce heavy fuel loads. It is difficult, however, to accomplish needed burning because the "window of opportunity" for burning each year is restricted by budget limitations, weather conditions, and air quality concerns. Use of the proposed incendiary tape will enable land mangers to accomplish more prescribed burning for forest fuel reduction than is now realized. This will be made possible as a result of reduced costs, more efficient utilization of manpower resources, and improved ability to control and manipulate fire behavior. Employing the incendiary tape to initiate line-source ignition of burn strips during the ignition phase of prescribed fire will provide greater opportunities to burn under conditions that would otherwise preclude it.