Some characteristics of heath fires in north-east Scotland.
Abstract
2 heath fires in 15-yr-pld Calluna vulgaris in autumn under dry windy conditions consumed 93% of the available fuel. In one fire, crown temperature reached about 500°C and surface temperature rose to 60°C; these temperatures were maintained for about 30 sec. Both fires removed all the longer C. vulgaris stems and regeneration was vigourous. Spring burning of 25-yr-old stands under cool moist conditions and lower wind speeds led to incomplete (30%) burning and poor regeneration.-R.B.