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Πρόβλεψη του ρυθμού εξάπλωσης πυρκαγιών επιφανείας σε χορτολίβαδα στην Ελλάδα: Μια εμπειρική προσέγγιση - An empirical approach to predict surface fire rate of spread in Mediterranean grasslands in Greece

October 2019

Conference: 16ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Ελληνικής Βοτανικής Εταιρείας
At: Athens, Greece

Authors:

Miltiadis Athanasiou

Hellenic Agricultural Organization - Demeter

This paper presents an empirical equation that was developed for the prediction of surface fire rate of spread (ROSsurface) in Mediterranean grasslands. Based on 20 field observations of wildfire behaviour in grasslands, ROSsurface was modeled as a power function of midflame wind velocity (Vmidflame) The empirical equation had an exponent equal to 1.199. The value of the exponent of this empirical equation is in the 1 to 2 range, which is in agreement with the results of other similar published modeling efforts. Some limitations regarding grass fire ROSsurface prediction, were addressed and discussed, also. Even though further reliability testing is needed, the empiric tool might still: a) support prescribed fire planning and use and b) be quite useful for the safety of firefighters and decision making in wildland fire management.

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