Fire Danger Rating System for Controlled Burning & Fire Suppression In African Grassland & Savanna Ecosystems

Winston S. W. Trollope - EnviroNet Consultants, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa

Table 12. Fire Danger Rating System for controlled burning and fire suppression in African Grasslands and savannas.
FIRE FIRE
FIRE
DANGER FDI INTENSITY CONTROLLED BURNING FIRE SUPPRESSION
DANGER
STAGES kJ/s/m
<500 Fires are not likely to start, or may spread very slowly, or may
Too cold, humid or wet for go out unaided. There is little flaming combustion & intensity
BLUE 0-20 LOW controlled burning is low under all conditions. Control is readily achieved &
(Flame lengths
0 – 1m) limited or no mopping up is required.
Suitable for controlled burning Although controlled burning operations can be conducted
500-1000 to: without creating a fire hazard, care must be taken when
GREEN 21-45 MODERATE • Remove moribund and/or burning on exposed, dry slopes. Keep a constant watch for
(Flame lengths unpalatable grass material; unexpected changes in wind speed and direction. Light
1 – 1,2m)
• Construct burnt firebreaks. mopping up operations are required .
Suitable for controlled burning Controlled burning not recommended above FDI = 55 for
1001-2000 to: removing moribund grass. Mature fine fuels will burn readily;
• Remove moribund and/or spread moderate in forests, fast in open areas. Fires burn on
YELLOW 46-60 DANGEROUS unpalatable grass material the surface with moderate flames. Control is not difficult but
(Flame lengths
1,2 – 1,8m) up to a maximum FDI of direct and indirect attack with fire truck and labour should be
55. used. Light to moderate mopping-up operations necessary.
Suitable for controlled burning Great care must be taken during controlled burning. Ignition
to: occurs readily. Grass fires spread at + 7km/hour. Fires may
2000-3000 • create and/or maintain an be very intense with local crowning and short to medium
VERY optimum balance between range spotting. Control very difficult requiring indirect attack
ORANGE 61-75 methods with major assistance necessary. Check for any
DANGEROUS (Flame lengths herbaceous and woody
1,8 – 2,4m) vegetation e.g. combat sign of smoke anywhere. Any fire that occurs, should be
bush encroachment. attacked with maximum force and aircraft if possible.
Mopping-up operations may require an extended effort.
Rate of spread extremely high. Fires extremely intense plus
extensive crowning, fire whorls and long range spotting.
Dangerous heat effect on people within 10m of fire, remove all
>3000 personnel from field. Control may not be possible by frontal
EXTREMELY Too dangerous and unsuitable
76-100 attack during the day and fire fighters should limit their
RED DANGEROUS (Flame lengths for controlled burning. efforts to containing lateral spread until weather changes.
>2,4m) Damage potential total and mopping up operations may be
very extensive and difficult. Full ground and aerial assistance
necessary throughout.

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