Resumo

CHAVEZ DURAN, Álvaro Agustín et al. Spatial distribution of fuel loads in a pine-oak sample plot. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.65, pp.112-133.  Epub 30-Ago-2021. ISSN 2007-1132.  https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v12i65.787.

Forest fires are an ecological factor of high importance in ecosystems. A forest fire requires forest fuel, favorable environmental conditions and a starting factor in order to occur. Forest fuels are considered the core element in fire management since they are the only ones that can be handled and thus, modify their influence on fire behavior. The purpose of the present work is to show the variability and spatial distribution of dead fuel loads in a pine-oak forest plot with a surface area of one hectare. Field evaluations were used as a data collection technique, and geostatistical methods, as analysis tools. The general average of the fuel loads was 54.86 Mg ha-1, with load areas larger than 100 Mg ha-1. Moreover, high spatial variability and independence of the fuel components were identified, with load differences up to 116.61 Mg ha-1 at only 72.11 m of distance. This work is envisioned as an important basis for studies of fuel loads at a highly detailed level. This will allow operational areas and decision makers to streamline the transition process towards fire management.

Palavras-chave : Fuels; fire behavior; distribution; fire; independence; fire management; spatial variability.