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International Journal of Wildland Fire

International Journal of Wildland Fire

International Journal of Wildland Fire publishes articles on basic and applied aspects of wildland fire science including, but not confined to, ecological impact, modelling fire and its effects, and management of fire. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Stefan Doerr and Martin Girardin

Publishing Model: Open Access

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. International Journal of Wildland Fire is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 24 July 2025

WF24123A flammability phenology for dry mixed heaths and its implications for modelling fire behaviour

Claire M. Belcher 0000-0003-3496-8290, Rayanne Vitali, Tadas Nikonovas, Kerryn Little 0000-0002-8303-5297, Andrew Elliott, Sarah J. Baker, Alastair J. Crawford 0000-0002-2133-2886, Stefan H. Doerr 0000-0002-8700-9002, Nicholas Kettridge 0000-0003-3995-0305 and Gareth D. Clay
 

Photograph of a dry heathland with yellow and purple flowers, under a clear blue sky.

We report phenological variations in temperature, humidity, fuel moisture, heat content and flammability of dry heathland fuels. Live fuel moisture was found to be the most important factor influencing fire behaviour predictions. Live fuel moisture phenology must be included in models that predict fire behaviour in temperate shrubland fuels. Photograph by Claire M. Belcher.

WF24123 Abstract  |  WF24123 Full Text  | WF24123PDF (2.6 MB)  | WF24123Supplementary Material (53 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 July 2025

WF24220A novel methodology to assess fuel treatment effectiveness: application to California’s forests

Kendra Fallon, John T. Abatzoglou, Matthew D. Hurteau, Ramona J. Butz, Beth Buchanan, Jennifer Pierce, James McNamara, Megan Cattau, Seyd Teymoor Seydi and Mojtaba Sadegh 0000-0003-1775-5445
 

Using 1621 treatment sequences applied to areas subsequently intersected by wildfires in California, we show 61% of the treatments were effective. Fire and fuel removal treatments were most effective and rearrangement was least effective. Treatment effectiveness enhances when applied at large scale. Weather impacts on treatment effectiveness were minimal.

WF24220 Abstract  |  WF24220 Full Text  | WF24220PDF (1.7 MB)  | WF24220Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 July 2025

WF24166Analytical model to predict the self-induced acceleration and deceleration of a head fire

Domingos Xavier Viegas, Carlos Ribeiro 0000-0001-6108-7793, Luís M. Ribeiro 0000-0002-9972-4601, Miguel Almeida, Tiago Rodrigues and Thiago Fernandes Barbosa
 

Current fire behaviour modelling assumes that ROS depends on the three factors of the classical fire environment triangle, without considering the convective processes, resulting the interaction between fire and environment. Sets of model parameters to predict the temporal variation of the ROS in the acceleration and deceleration phases were proposed.

WF24166 Abstract  |  WF24166 Full Text  | WF24166PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 July 2025

WF24200A simplified model to incorporate firebrand transport into coupled fire atmosphere models

Alberto Alonso-Pinar 0009-0009-2051-9700, Jean-Baptiste Filippi 0000-0002-6244-0648, Ha-Ninh Nguyen 0000-0001-7600-9034 and Alexander Filkov 0000-0001-5927-9083
 

This work presents a simplified model of the firebrand transport equations that allows for faster numerical calculations when using coupled fire atmosphere models. We compared this model with more complex ones using different topographies. The firebrand ground landing densities for both results are compared.

This article belongs to the collection: Fire Behaviour and Fuels Conference.

WF24200 Abstract  |  WF24200 Full Text  | WF24200PDF (3.3 MB)  | WF24200Supplementary Material (41.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 July 2025

WF24225Predicting potential postfire debris-flow hazards across California prior to wildfire

Rebecca K. Rossi 0000-0003-4482-8451, Paul W. Richardson, David B. Cavagnaro, Stefani G. Lukashov, Mary Ellen Miller and Donald N. Lindsay
 

Map of California showing the annual probability of fire followed by rainfall which exceeds the modeled postfire debris-flow threshold.

Destructive postfire debris flows triggered by short-duration bursts of high-intensity rainfall and excessive runoff within 3 years following fire continue to impact California. Using a simplified wildfire scenario, we predicted potential postfire debris-flow hazards statewide. We suggest the maps are useful for identifying areas that pose the greatest postfire geohazards.

This article belongs to the collection: Establishing Directions in Postfire Debris-Flow Science.

WF24225 Abstract  |  WF24225 Full Text  | WF24225PDF (7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 July 2025

WF25034Contemporary fire regimes and elephant impacts in Baikiaea-dominated woodlands of the Chobe region, northern Botswana

Othusitse Lekoko, Jeremy Russell-Smith, Andrew Edwards and Cameron Yates
 

Uncontrolled fire and high elephant densities may cause loss of biodiversity in African savannas. We assessed the status of fire regimes in Botswana’s tourism region, which has an elephant population, to determine whether incentivised fire management could enhance broader ecological management and employment outcomes, while supporting climate change initiatives.

This article belongs to the collection: Savanna burning.

WF25034 Abstract  |  WF25034 Full Text  | WF25034PDF (2.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 June 2025

WF24126Investigating the dynamic behaviour of merging fire fronts

Alexander I. Filkov 0000-0001-5927-9083, Brendan Holyland, Brett Cirulis, Khalid Moinuddin, Duncan Sutherland, Jason Sharples 0000-0002-7816-6989, James Hilton 0000-0003-3676-0880, Craig B. Clements and Trent D. Penman 0000-0002-5203-9818
 

This experimental study investigates the behaviour of merging fire fronts during controlled burns in Australia. Results showed that forward junction fires spread significantly faster than linear fires and can lead to more dynamic fire behaviours, highlighting the need for further research to improve fire behaviour models and safety measures.

WF24126 Abstract  |  WF24126 Full Text  | WF24126PDF (6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 June 2025

WF25039Interactions of fire and forest structure in a relict mesic forest of north Africa

Peter Z. Fulé 0000-0002-8469-0621, Lahcen Taiqui 0000-0002-2553-8611 and Derak Mchich
 

We dated fire events and measured forest structure in the highly biodiverse Talassemtane National Park in Morocco. Surface fires tended to recur at <25-year intervals in Pinus–Abies–Quercus forests. Fire regime was associated with old trees and open forest structure.

WF25039 Abstract  |  WF25039 Full Text  | WF25039PDF (2.6 MB)  | WF25039Corrigendum (221 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 June 2025

WF24222Fuelling future fires: predicting variation in fuel hazard and availability across an environmental gradient

Sarah C. McColl-Gausden 0000-0001-7807-8367, Lauren T. Bennett, Hamish Clarke and Trent D. Penman 0000-0002-5203-9818
 

Fuel is a key driver of wildfire patterns but the impacts of changing climate on fuel hazard and availability to burn is often poorly understood. This study uses six future climate models to predict the shifts in landscape fuel patterns across an environmental gradient.

This article belongs to the collection: Fire Behaviour and Fuels Conference.

WF24222 Abstract  |  WF24222 Full Text  | WF24222PDF (2.4 MB)  | WF24222Supplementary Material (3.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 June 2025

WF24210Comparing biomass consumption estimated from point cloud data versus long-wave infrared imagery during prescribed growing season burns in pine woodlands of the southeastern United States

Benjamin C. Bright 0000-0002-8363-0803, Andrew T. Hudak, Nuria Sánchez-López, E. Louise Loudermilk, Christie M. Hawley, Eric Rowell, Joseph J. O’Brien, Steven A. Flanagan 0000-0001-5172-3530, Kevin Robertson, Akira Kato, Chad Hoffman, David R. Weise 0000-0002-9671-7203 and J. Kevin Hiers
 

We demonstrate a new method for combining terrestrial and airborne laser scanning data to estimate fuel consumed by fire and compare how lasers and long-wave infrared imagery estimate consumption. We find that these remote sensing techniques provide comparable consumption estimates and that most fuel consumption occurs on the forest floor.

This article belongs to the collection: Multi-scale measurements in support of improved fire, fuel, and smoke models of landscape-level wildland fires.

WF24210 Abstract  |  WF24210 Full Text  | WF24210PDF (2.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

WF24221Canopy and surface fuels measurement using terrestrial lidar single-scan approach in the Mogollon Highlands of Arizona

Johnathan T. Tenny 0009-0001-3402-3038, Temuulen Tsagaan Sankey, Seth M. Munson, Andrew J. Sánchez Meador and Scott J. Goetz
 

Novel techniques were developed to quickly measure canopy fuel and surface fuel across a range of environmental conditions using a ground-based remote sensing technology. These techniques provide precise, repeatable fuel estimates while minimizing model training requirements.

WF24221 Abstract  |  WF24221 Full Text  | WF24221PDF (6.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

WF24184Between a rock and a hot place: do surface shelters facilitate survivable conditions for small vertebrates during prescribed fire?

Shawn Scott, Brett A Goodman, Joan Gibbs and Sophie Petit
 

Prescribed burning in eucalypt woodlands exposes skinks to lethal temperatures, which are partially remediated by rock and log shelters. Ambient and maximum temperatures were positively associated, and high ambient temperatures increased duration of lethal temperatures. Assessing shelter availability for small vertebrates before prescribed burning should be a conservation priority.

WF24184 Abstract  |  WF24184 Full Text  | WF24184PDF (1.5 MB)  | WF24184Supplementary Material (715 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

WF25022Linking human activities to wildfires in Tsavo Conservation Area: a social-ecological study

Naftal G. Kariuki, David O. Chiawo 0000-0001-7118-6285, Eunice W. Kairu, Jemimah A. Simbauni and Amos C. Muthiuru 0000-0002-3367-2562
 

This study explores the association between human activities and wildfire occurrences in the Tsavo Conservation Area. Statistical methods (ANOVA, chi-square and Kendall’s tests), were applied for data analysis. Chyulu Hill National Park experienced the highest frequency of wildfires, and eleven human activities were pinpointed as contributing factors.

WF25022 Abstract  |  WF25022 Full Text  | WF25022PDF (881 KB)  | WF25022Supplementary Material (454 KB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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  6. The impacts of fire use in the Brazilian Amazon: a bibliometric analysis

    International Journal of Wildland Fire 34 (4)
    Amanda Kesley Cardozo Cancio, Mayerly Alexandra Guerrero-Moreno 0000-0002-6767-2966, Everton Cruz da Silva, Fernando Abreu Oliveira, Karina Dias-Silva, James Ferreira Moura Jr, Thiago Almeida Vieira, Lenize Batista Calvão, Leandro Juen, José Max Barbosa Oliveira-Junior

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Multi-scale measurements in support of improved fire, fuel, and smoke models of landscape-level wildland fires

Landscape scale prescribed fires offer a valuable opportunity for advancing fire science through comprehensive interdisciplinary research experiments with the ability to investigate ecosystems prior to, during and after fires. This collection deals with the co-production of management-relevant science between fire managers and researchers with a focus on state-of-the art measurements of 3D fuels, fire behavior and smoke dynamics to inform and improve the development of next-generation fuels, fire and smoke models.

Collection Editors
Joseph J. O’Brien (USDA)
Andrew Hudak (USDA)
Alistair Smith (University of Idaho)

Last Updated: 18 Jul 2025

Fire Behaviour and Fuels Conference

This is a Collection of papers from Fire Behaviour and Fuels Conference.

Guest Editors
Stephen Sutton
Juncal Espinosa
Mike Wilson
Yucheng He
Tao Huang
Hussam Mahmoud
Eric Mueller
Akshat Chulahwat

Last Updated: 10 Jul 2025

Establishing Directions in Postfire Debris-Flow Science

Post-wildfire debris flow science encompasses a wide variety of fields, including hydrology, geomorphology, engineering, remote sensing, atmospheric science, ecology, and data science. This Collection is intended to bring together a diverse set of publications that advance postfire debris flow science, focusing on future directions.

Guest Editors
Francis Rengers (US Geological Survey)
Luke McGuire (University of Arizona)
Nina Oakley (California Geological Survey)
Ann Youberg (University of Arizona)

Last Updated: 10 Jul 2025

Savanna Burning

As demonstrated in Australian savannas, reducing carbon emissions through active fire management can generate tradable carbon credits providing income and employment opportunities for Indigenous and remote communities, and support biodiversity conservation. The success of this management approach has led to suggestions that it can be extended to other continents, for notable example in southern Africa and South America. This special issue of the International Journal of Wildland Fire aims to explore the status of technical challenges, opportunities and potential livelihood and ecological benefits, associated with applying market-based fire management approaches in severely fire-impacted tropical savanna systems.

Last Updated: 28 Feb 2025

Fire and Climate

This Special Collection on “Fire and Climate” showcases papers from and inspired by the eponymous conferences hosted by the International Association of Wildland Fire. The collection explores the way that climate change is affecting wildfire around the world – and the ways that changes in societal, legal, and political climate changes interact with these geophysical processes.

Guest Editor
Eric B. Kenedy (York University, Canada)

Last Updated: 15 Oct 2024

Australian Fire Danger Rating System

This Collection in International Journal of Wildland Fire presents a series of papers that describe the development of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS). This new system was conceived following a review of existing Australian fire danger rating systems and associated danger categories in 2014. It was implemented in 2022 and has since been modified to improve performance, accuracy, and public-facing requirements.

Guest Editor
Paulo Fernandez (Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal)

Last Updated: 04 Jul 2024

Celebrating 30 Years of Wildland Fire Science Publication

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of International Journal of Wildland Fire (IJWF), the official journal of the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF), we have put together this Collection that includes a selection of review papers published in IJWF over the past 12 years, a compilation that highlights the wide range of disciplines in wildland fire research. In line with our commitment to diversity, authors and co-authors come from at least seven countries, and the corresponding authors on six of the 15 papers are female. We invite you to explore the full breadth of topics included in this Collection.

Collection Editors
Susan G. Conard, Stefan Doerr, and Jenny Foster

Last Updated: 27 May 2021

25 Years of International Journal of Wildland Fire

To celebrate 25 years of publication of International Journal of Wildland Fire, we present this Collection that includes some of the most-cited Research Papers we have published over the years. This Collection includes two papers from each five-year period, starting in 1991. One of these is the paper from each period that has received the most citations to date. To highlight the geographic scope of IJWF publications, the second paper is the most-cited paper where the lead author is from a different country than the highest-cited one.

Last Updated: 05 Dec 2016

Atmospheric Research

This Collection of International Journal of Wildland Fire covers the theme of Atmospheric Research, and was launched to coincide with the 2016 International Smoke Symposium (Long Beach, California) and the AGU Fall Meeting (San Francisco, California). This collection showcases a diverse array of topics from a variety of geographical areas, including methods for tracking, modelling and inventory, social implications, climate implications, current and future research needs, and practical field management techniques for smoke.

Last Updated: 27 Oct 2016

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IJWF Content Free to IAWF Members

All non-OA journal content published prior to 2024 can be accessed by IAWF members through the IAWF Members-Only site.

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