FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Picea breweriana | Brewer Spruce 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
In a series of fires in 1987 that burned throughout the range of Brewer
spruce, low-intensity surface fires killed Brewer spruce in mixed
stands.  In small stands on north, rocky slopes, Brewer spruce was
undamaged [18].  On granitic soils fire can be extremely damaging to
Brewer spruce because the shallow root system is damaged by heat
transfer to the soil [3].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Brewer spruce recovery from fire is generally slow.  Seedlings are
unable to survive strong sunlight and are intolerant of moisture stress
[18].  The recovery of Brewer spruce from the extensive fires of 1987
may take decades or centuries [18].  Atzet and Wheeler [2], however,
reported that light fires may stimulate seeding or germination of Brewer
spruce.



DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Brewer spruce serves as a medium fuel type [2].

Related categories for Species: Picea breweriana | Brewer Spruce