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.

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.

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.

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.