This focus area combines topics from both Fire Ecology and Fire Science. Fire Ecology focuses on the ecological role of fire on ecosystems including soils, watersheds, air, flora, fauna and humans. These effects range from the microsite to entire landscapes. The concept of the fire regime-characteristic long-term patterns of fire occurrence, severity, seasonality, etc..-is critical. Fire Science focuses on fire behavior characteristics and how to predict and manage them. This includes an understanding of fire weather, fuels, topography and the basic principles of fire spread and combustion. Both areas have strong links to land management in how fire can be used to manage our landscapes.

Combining these two areas of study provides a strong background for students interested in studying fire or working in natural resources on fire management or general land management issues. Without an understanding of the principles of fire behavior it is difficult to define or understand fire effects. Without an understanding of fire effects it is difficult to understand what the results of different fire behavior scenarios are and what the resultant sites or landscapes will look like over space and time.

For help in coordinating your courses please contact:

Dr. Andi Thode
Telephone: 928-523-5457
Email: Andi.Thode@nau.edu

Dr. Pete Fule
Telephone: 928-523-1463
Email: Pete.Fule@nau.edu

For course requirement information, please refer to the Wildland Fire Focus Area.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 October 2009 )