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Fire Resistant Flora: Fact or Fiction?

CSEF · 2014 Environmental Science

Morrgin K.A. Fedinick-Emmons · Pacific Union School, Arcata, Humboldt County

Overview

Objectives/Goals California is in the midst of a drought. My project's objective was to determine natural fire-resistance of locally available plants. Methods/Materials Propane torch and burn pans were used to burn 6 species of plants: 24 samples each of both dried and fresh plants. Each specimen was burned until self-extinguished. Plant masses were obtained pre and post burn. Fire resistance was determined by percentage of mass lost and burn time. Results Overall, the Cryptomeria was found to have the highest degree of fire-resistance. The Leylandii Cypress had the lowest degree of fire-resistance. Both findings, along with all other samples tested, supported the hypothesis that highly fire-resistive plants had greater flexibility and moisture content, while less fire-resistive plants tended to be more dry and brittle. Conclusions/Discussion Based on experimental results, one can conclude that there are naturally fire-resistive plants. A homeowner's knowledge of this could potentially protect property from the effects of vegetation fires. Current drought conditions in our region make this study worthy of attention.

Summary statement

This project explored the fire-resistance level of a variety of plants.

Help received

Neighbor provided plant samples; Mother helped with backboard; local fire department assisted with safety of experiment.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2014 Environmental Science · Entry J1104

Resources

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