The latest Hazard Note from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC looks at the dynamics of fuel quantity and hazard post-cyclone.
The research was commissioned by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services after Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia hit the central Queensland coast in February this year. The study investigated the dynamics of fuel quantity and hazard in five cyclone-damaged locations.
The findings have been used to develop a visual field guide that complements existing fuel hazard guides. Among the key findings are that increased fuel loading and hazard caused by tropical cyclones can impede access to fire lines and increase fire spread and fire line intensity.
The guide, included in the Hazard Note, will be an invaluable tool that could be readily adopted by field crews. It can be applied quickly and provide data of sufficient accuracy to input into fire models. It may also be used to assess the potential impacts of other storm-related fire impacts.
View the Hazard Note in full on the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC website.
Author: Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC