FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Alnus rubra | Red Alder 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Information regarding the effects of fire on red alder is lacking.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Red alder is an early seral species which quickly invades burned areas.
Off-site plants inhabiting fire resistant draws and streambeds provide
an abundance of seed, which reportedly can travel several hundred yards
via wind.  Thus red alder quickly colonizes soils exposed after forest
fires.  Red alder along with Douglas-fir are often the dominant postfire
vegetation on low to middle elevation sites throughout the Pacific
Northwest [41].  Red alder may dominate and suppress conifers following
a fire for 20 to 25 years, after which the conifers overtop the alder
[68].

Information regarding the sprouting response of red alder after
aboveground plant parts have been killed by fire is lacking.  However,
responses after cutting show that red alder tends to sprout at the root
collar or along the lower stem no matter where the stem is cut [27].  For
detailed information regarding the sprouting response of red alder after
cutting, refer to the Regeneration Slot.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Fire hazard is generally low in red alder stands.  Stands may be used as
natural fire breaks [67].  The thin litter permits easy construction of
fire lines.

Related categories for Species: Alnus rubra | Red Alder