Fire Risk Frequency Analysis of the South Central Plains (1996-2015)

Fire is a natural and necessary component of the South Central Plains ecosystem. However, fire suppression and more frequent droughts in the region have resulted in a build-up of dry fuels loads such as dead wood, resulting in fires that burn hotter and impact the landscape more severely. Uncontrolled wildfires have cost the region several billion dollars in the past five years. Further, fire suppression has resulted in substantial losses in native plant biodiversity and wildlife habitat, which also has costly implications. In Oklahoma alone, it’s estimated that $157 million will be required to restore rangelands to their native conditions. Of further concern is the fact that projected changes in climate indicate...

Categories: Data; Types: Citation; Tags: Climate change, Climatology, Controlled fires, Drought, Fire and Extreme Weather, Fire, All tags... South Central CASC, Fewer tags