Fire Management in Tropical Forests

Abstract

The chapter ``Fire Management'' of the Tropical Forest Management Handbook provides an introduction to the history and ecology of fires in ecosystems of the tropics (closed evergreen forests; closed and open seasonal forests; fire-climax pine forests in the tropical submontane and montane altitudes, subtropical lowlands; savannas and open woodlands; planted forests). In addition the chapter provides references to other environmental impacts of tropical fires, notably the global impacts of fire emissions on atmosphere and climate. The main part of the chapter provides different fire management options. Fire prevention methods include technical measures such as fuel management (treatment of combustible materials for fire hazard reduction) and the use of prescribed fire. The involvement of local communities in active fire prevention, the sound and safe use of fire in land management, and the defense of rural assets against wildfires are essential. References are given on fire management on contaminated terrain. The section on fire suppression (firefighting) provides access to the most important guidelines and technical training manuals. The need of developing national fire management policies that address the fire problems at landscape level including cross-sectoral/interagency approaches in fire management is underscored. The complexity of interactions between land use and other human activities, tropical vegetation characteristics, climate, and climate change may require expert assistance in capacity building in fire management at national and local level. International networks and voluntary mechanisms are available for exchange of knowledge and expertise.