RESEARCH SGMMARY 



This paper presents a mathematical formulation of the construction 

 of a containment perimeter for a wildland fire. The formulation permits 

 the calculation of total burned area, final perimeter, and containment 

 time, if the rate of growth of the fire can be specified as a function of 

 time and position. Using a simple but flexible fire shape function, nu- 

 merical results are given, showing the influence of the rate of spread in 

 the front, flank, and back directions expressed in ratio to the rate of 

 control line construction. These results may be useful in presuppression 

 planning and effectiveness analyses. This paper is the result of collabo- 

 rative effort carried out as part of theU, S. /U. S. S, R. scientific-technical 

 exchange program in forestry. 



