Fire Ecology Basics

Fire is an implicit part of California—foundational to its ecological and human heritage. Even in coastal northern California, the landscapes we know and love are mostly adapted to fire, and in many cases, they are dependent on it. This presentation covers basic concepts in fire science and ecology, including the fire triangle, the fire behavior triangle, and fire regimes, as well as local examples of fire-adapted and fire-dependent ecosystems. The presentation will lay the foundation to help participants see and understand California’s diverse landscapes through the lens of the fire regimes by which they were shaped.