Theory 111/Forestry & Fire Ecology
Crown Fire Is a Bulk Ratio
The claim
Crown fire initiation is set by the ratio of canopy bulk density to canopy base height rather than by surface fuel load.
01The mechanism
A fire reaches the crown when the energy released below exceeds the energy needed to heat the foliage; the ratio sets that balance.
02Predictions
- P1Initiation should track the ratio.
- P2Surface fuel alone should mispredict.
03Refutation
Initiation tracking surface fuel would remove the canopy term.