The Burning Bush: A Flammability Study of 30 Shrub Species Native to the Mojave Desert

Overview

Objectives/Goals If 30 native Mojave Desert shrub species are collected, then a relative flammability rating system can be developed based on the variables of combustibility, sustainability, ignitability, and consumability. Methods/Materials 30 native Mojave Desert shrub species were collected in Dec. & dehydrated. One sample of each shrub species was transported to Edwards AFB Fire Station #2 where testing was conducted using a propane torch, a gallows-like hanging apparatus, moisture meter, triple beam balance, thermocouple, & thermal imager. Each shrub was weighed, tested for moisture %, & photographed against a grid. Each shrub was hung upside-down while a propane torch was swept under the lowest, most dense part. Independent ignition, total burn times, & ingnition temp. were recorded. While burning, a picture was taken of the thermal imager screen. After burning, shrub remains were collected, photographed, & weighed. Data was analyzed based on combustibility, measured by max. flame height; sustainability, by independent ignition & total burn times; consumability, the amount of shrub consumed while flaming; & ignitability, time to independent ignition & ignition temp. Results An ordinal rating system was established after the testing. Each shrub was assigned a 1,2,or 3 to indicate low, moderate, or high flammability for ignitability, sustainability, combustibility, & consumability. Ratings were averaged to produce an overall flammability rating. Shrubs with the highest flammability rating were Chrysothamnus teretefolius (Needle-leaved Rabbitbrush) and Tetradymia axillaris var. longispina (Long#spined Cottonthorn) with overall ratings of 3. Eight other shrubs earned high flammability ratings of >2-3. The shrub with the lowest flammability rating was Lycium cooperi (Peachthorn) with an overall rating of 0.63. Two other shrubs earned low flammability ratings of 0-1; while 17 shrubs were classified as moderately flammable with ratings >1- 2. Conclusions/Discussion The data did support the hypothesis. The results show that it is possible to establish a flammability rating system by determining each shrub#s ignitability, consumability, combustibility, & sustainability. Although there are other flammability variables such as chemical composition, wind speed, season of collection & etc., this relative rating system is helpful when determining the potential flammability of these 30 native Mojave Desert shrubs.

Awards (1)

• First Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2007 Plant Biology · Entry S1709

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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