Grassfires - 9780643093836

"Grassfires: Fuel, Weather and Fire Behaviour presents the latest information from CSIRO on the behaviour and spread of fires in grasslands. This second edition follows 10 years of research aimed at improving the understanding of the fundamental processes involved in the behaviour of bushfires in general but applicable to grassfires. The book has been extensively revised and new case studies have been added to reflect the latest findings in research and investigations. The book covers all aspects of fire behaviour and spread in the major types of grasses in Australia. It examines the factors that affect fire behaviour in continuous grassy fuels; fire in spinifex fuels; the effect of weather and topography on fire spread; wildfire suppression strategies; and how to reconstruct grassfire spread after the fact. The three fire-spread meters designed by CSIRO and used for the prediction of fire danger and rate of spread of grassfires are explained and their use and limitations discussed. This new edition expands on the historical view of grassfires with respect to extensive Aboriginal burning, combustion chemistry, flame structure and temperature, spotting and spread in discontinuous/eaten out fuels, and the effect of wind in complex terrain. The case studiesin the chapter 'Wildfires and their suppression' have been updated and include the major wild grassfire events of recent years, the January 2003 ACT fires and the 2005 Wangary, SA fire. The 'Myths, facts and fallacies' chapter includes new myths and a new section on personal safety during a wild grass fire."--Provided by publisher.