FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Pinus radiata | Monterey Pine 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Monterey pine is killed by severe surface or crown fire.  Trees survive
crown scorch unless it is extensive.  In South Africa Monterey pine
survived a surface wildfire except where crown scorch was greater than
90 percent [13,14].  Trees are damaged by direct heat.  Exposure to a
temperature of 424 degrees Fahrenheit (200 deg C) for more than half a
minute resulted in cambium death wherever heat was applied [13,52].
Such localized burning or scorching of bark of mature trees causes
scarring but may not result in tree death [52].

Young, thin-barked Monterey pine are often killed by fire, particularly
when stands are dense and crown fire occurs [52].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Monterey pine cones open and release seed after fire [19].  In
California, White [in 52] reported a seedling density of 196 per acre
(490/ha) the January following a spring wildfire.  Seedlings were 12 to
22.4 inches (30-56 cm) tall.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Thinning and pruning in Monterey pine plantations result in accumulation
of flammable fuels [8].  Crown scorch and cambium damage are reduced
when slash is mechanically reduced before burning [8].

Related categories for Species: Pinus radiata | Monterey Pine