Chapter 13 Vocabulary

Front 1

preignition

Back 1

initial phase of a wildfire during which fuel is brought to temperature and water content that favors ignition; involves both preheating and pyrolysis

Front 2

pyrolysis

Back 2

in a fire, a group of chemical processes by which heat divides or splits large muel molecules into small ones. Products from the processes include volatile gases, mineral ash, tars, and carbonaceous char.

Front 3

combustion

Back 3

second phase of a wildfire that follows every ignition. includes flaming, where fine fuel and volatile gases are rapidly oxidized at high temperature, and glowing or smoldering, which take place later at a lower temperature. Both flaming and glowing liberate energy as heat and light

Front 4

extinction

Back 4

with reference to a wildfire, the final phase in which all combustion, including smoldering, ceases because of insufficient heat, fuel, or oxygen.

Front 5

peat

Back 5

organic-rich sediment composed primarily of partially decayed plant material, such as moss, leaves, and sticks; typically forms in bogs and swamps and has a high water content

Front 6

wildland/urban interface

Back 6

the area where natural undeveloped grassland, brushland, or forest is adjacent to land developed for homes, businesses, or recreation

Front 7

fire regime

Back 7

an ecosystem's potential for wildfire as inferred from fuel types, terrain, and past fire behavior

Front 8

prescribed burn

Back 8

a fire purposely lit and contained within a designated area to reduce the amount of fuel available for a wildfire; also called a controlled burn

Front 9

red flag warnings

Back 9

with respect to wildfires, a notice from the National Weather Service or other governmental agency that an extreme fire condition is occuring or is likely to occur within 24 hours