Study of fire characteristics of forest vegetation in the Atlantic coastal region of Norway

Abstract

Understanding of wildfire risk requires an understanding of the natural species’ fire dynamics. This study investigates fire characteristics of common wildland species in Norwegian forests - stair-step moss, lingonberry shrub, juniper, bilberry, and heather. Cone calorimetry experiments were conducted after conditioning samples to similar moisture content. Stair-step moss and bilberry stems exhibited longer burning times and lower peak heat release rates, suggesting a slower, more sustained combustion. Heather, despite age differences, showed similar fire behaviours, indicating moisture content's role in wildfire risk. Evergreens displayed the most intense fire development, with juniper potentially acting as a ladder species for vertical fire spread.