FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Chamaecyparis nootkatensis | Alaska-Cedar 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The immediate effect of a cool to hot fire on Alaska-cedar is damage to
the cambium layer, usually resulting in the death of the tree [1].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
Fire resistance is rated as low for Alaska-cedar [49], although a few
individuals will survive a cool fire [7,25].


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Alaska-cedar will invade a burned site via wind-dispersed seed from
adjacent unburned forests [24].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
The burning of slash is controversial.  Fyles and others [18] recommend
the burning of slash to improve access for planters, increase plantable
sites, reduce brush competition, and reduce fire hazard; however, there
is little information about the effects of slash burning on Alaska-cedar
[12,38].  Feller [13] gives information on the effects of slashburning
on nutrient loss (see Fire Case Study).

After fire in the subalpine environment Alaska-cedar is slow to
regenerate in the krummholz zone [8].

Related categories for Species: Chamaecyparis nootkatensis | Alaska-Cedar