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Preprint VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Preprint
Green Firebreaks: Potential to Proactively Complement Wildfire Management
Preprints.org, Vol.21 July 2025
MDPI AG
2025
Abstract
With increased wildfire risks and reduced suppression effectiveness, Green Firebreaks (GFBs) provide a proactive approach to fuel management. This literature review revealed diverse approaches to GFB design that generally involve establishing strips of low-flammability vegetation to slow fire spread and reduce fireline intensity. While GFB approaches may reduce fire spread and intensity by creating fuel discontinuities, empirical studies validating their effectiveness remain scarce. Comparing GFB techniques is challenging due to spatial and temporal complexity combined with inconsistent methods and terminology. Several researchers note that GFB effectiveness requires matching design with site conditions; they are not a stand-alone solution to the wildfire problem, and they are not suitable in all settings. A lack of consideration for trade offs may undermine the effectiveness of green firebreaks, particularly under extreme weather conditions. As climate change intensifies drought and heat, vegetation moisture content, which is critical to flammability, must be a key design factor, since even low flammability species can become fuel under extreme drought conditions. In addition, poorly designed GFB structures may unintentionally alter wind dynamics, increasing ember transport and fire spread rather than reducing it. There is a broad consensus in the literature that appropriately designed GFBs can complement wildfire management, while also providing additional benefits. To achieve their potential, research is required for GFB designs to be site-specific, responsive to trade-offs, and effective in providing multiple benefits under different climate change scenarios.
Details
- Title
- Green Firebreaks: Potential to Proactively Complement Wildfire Management
- Authors
- Jady Smith - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringFrancis Putz - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Tropical Forests and People Research CentreSam Van Holsbeeck - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research Centre
- Publication details
- Preprints.org, Vol.21 July 2025
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.20944/preprints202507.1674.v1
- ISSN
- 2310-287X
- Copyright note
- This open access article is published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, which permit the free download, distribution, and reuse, provided that the author and preprint are cited in any reuse.
- Organisation Unit
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; Forest Industries Research Centre; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991155037602621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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