Increasing diversity in forest landscapes through smaller stands and a greater mix of tree species can significantly reduce the spread of wildfires, according to new research from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Natural Resources Institute Finland.
The study, published in Ecological Modelling, found that reducing forest stand size from 10 hectares to 1 hectare could cut fire spread by up to 90 percent. Mixing deciduous trees such as birch with conifers like pine and spruce also slowed fire progression. Avoiding forest drainage proved beneficial, as wetter areas act as natural firebreaks.
Lead researcher Yuval Zelnik explained that these forest management practices can create effective fire barriers comparable in impact to weather conditions, without requiring treeless zones. The research uses modelling to test scenarios that are costly or impractical to conduct in the field, offering valuable insights for long-term forest planning.
The findings are particularly relevant for northern Europe, where intensive forest management and climate change are increasing wildfire risks.
Source: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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