In general, there is agreement among the averages of the uniform model (fuel 

 parameters averaged) and the nonuniform model (distribution averaged) . The trend 

 indicates that the uniform model average is less than the nonuniform model for 

 rate of spread but greater for fireline intensity. The higher frequency of zero 

 fireline intensity in slash is attributed to the frequency of cells not having 

 fuel. This is consistent with the grass-sagebrush mixture results where empty 

 cells were not present. 



The average fireline intensities of the slash are low values that suggest a 

 minimum capability to spread fire. However, the distribution indicates that por- 

 tions of the fire at a 2 mi/h windspeed would be comparable to a prescribed litter 

 fire but would be easy to control. The last statement illustrates the importance 

 of the distribution. Although the results are not alarming, a single average value 

 even if correct does not indicate the upper limits of the intensity. 



The upper limit on windspeed can be overcome by averaging cells into larger 

 cells so that the influence of the fire from one cell does not extend beyond adja- 

 cent cells. This is in keeping with the relative reduction in the influence of 

 spatial variations in fuel as the flame increases in response to wind. Future 

 applications will likely employ general fuel models having flexibility in resolu- 

 tion as needs arise. ^ 



The form of the result offers new ways of presenting alternatives to the land 

 manager. With a distribution of results it is possible to ask what the probability 

 is that a given range of rate of spread or intensity will occur. A high rate of 

 spread or intensity although having a low probability may be intolerable. Viewing 

 fire behavior in the form of probabilities gives a more accurate description of 

 the probable fire behavior and a reasonable basis for management decisions. 



PUBUC ATIONS aXED 



Albini , Frank A. 



1976. Estimating wildfire behavior and effects. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep, 

 INT-30. Intermt. For. and Range Exp. Stn., Ogden, Utah. 

 Anderson, Hal E. 



1968. Fire spread and flame shape. Fire Tech. 4(l):51-58. 

 Anderson, Hal E. 



1969. Heat transfer and fire spread. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. INT-69, 20 p. 

 Intermt. For. and Range Exp. Stn., Ogden, Utali. 



Brown, James K. 



1966. Quantitative description of the physical properties of forest fuels. 

 Problem Analysis Fuels Science Project 2104, NFFL, Missoula, Montana. 

 Brown, James K. 



1974. Handbook for inventorying downed woody material. USDA For. Serv. Gen. 

 Tech. Rep. INT- 16. Intermt. For. and Range Exp. Stn., Ogden, Utah. 



^Pursuing extended application of this model at this time detracts from the 



main purpose of explaining the model 



20 



