FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Vaccinium uliginosum ssp. occidentale | Western Huckleberry 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Western huckleberry is described as "sensitive" to cool fires [21].
Even low-intensity fires can remove much of the crown [30].  However,
portions of the stem base, as well as underground regenerative
structures, often survive these light fires [22].  Western huckleberry
commonly occurs on peaty soils which are very flammable when dry.
Plants are often killed when the peat is deeply burned [21] and
underground regenerative structures destroyed by heat.

Fire generally destroys the heat-sensitive seeds of closely related
huckleberries such as bog bilberry [33].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Vegetative response:  Western huckleberry generally sprouts after light
to moderate fires [14,21].  Plants may be "naturally pruned" by light
fires which consume the crown but which remove little soil or duff [30].
Basal sprouting commonly occurs where stem bases remain relatively
undamaged [21,22].  Sprouting from rhizomes or "underground stems" is
likely if the crown has been destroyed but underground regenerative
structures left intact [41].

Seed:  Western huckleberry may occasionally reestablish a site through
seed [41].  However, many researchers report that postfire seedling
establishment is extremely rare in huckleberries of western North
America [26,(P. Stickney, pers. comm. 1990)].  Seeds of closely related
species, such as the bog bilberry, are of short viability and are
readily killed by heat [33].  Consequently, seed banking does not appear
to be an important postfire regenerative strategy.  Some seed may be
transported from off-site by birds [24] and mammals.

Postfire reestablishment:  Stem bases often sprout during the first year
after fire [21] and the length of time required for vegetative postfire
reestablishment is described as "moderate" [22].  Shrubs which develop
from resprouts can become prominent within 2 to 3 years after fire [24].
Postfire reestablishment from seed, if it occurs at all, is likely to be
slow.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Berry production:  Berry production is generally reduced for at least 5
years after fire in most huckleberries (Vaccinium spp.) of western North
America. On some sites, berry production may be significantly reduced
for 20 to 30 years or more [26].

Wildlife:  Evidence suggests that fire suppression may be having an
adverse impact on bear habitat in some areas [46,50].  Once productive
seral berry fields are now being invaded by conifers.  Since plants
beneath a forest canopy generally produce few berries, fruit production
has been steadily declining [29].  Logging treatments which include
severe soil scarification or slash burns may also result in decreased
berry availability.  Even where timber harvest favors berry production,
lack of cover in early years can limit bear use.  However, wildfires
often create diverse habitat mosaics which incorporate elements of
hiding cover and favor bear use [50].

Related categories for Species: Vaccinium uliginosum ssp. occidentale | Western Huckleberry