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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (4): 164-177.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20250471

• Research papers • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Assessment of Fire Control Efficiency of Different Densities of Larix gmelinii Firebreak Forest Belt Based on the Fuel Characteristic Classification System: a Case Study in Bailang Forestry Bureau

Tongxin Hu1,Xiaoyu Wang1,Cheng Yu1,Yujie Guo1,Guang Yang1,Jibin Ning1,Bo Gao2,Zhibo Xu2,Meng Cui2,Xiaodong Sun2,Ronghua Yan2,Long Sun1,*()   

  1. 1. School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University Northeast Asian Biodiversity Research Center, Northeast Forestry University Harbin 150040
    2. Bailang Forestry Bureau, Xing’an League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Arshan 137800
  • Received:2025-07-23 Online:2026-04-15 Published:2026-04-11
  • Contact: Long Sun E-mail:sunlong365@126.com

Abstract:

Objective: To address the ecological and economic threats posed by frequent forest fires in the Sino-Mongolian border region, this study focuses on Larix gmelinii biological firebreaks. The aims are to investigate the differences in fire behavior characteristics of biological firebreaks under various environmental configurations and their influencing factors, and to identify the optimal forest belt density for constructing L. gmelinii biological firebreaks in this region. The study intends to provide a theoretical basis for the scientific establishment and fire control efficacy assessment of biological firebreaks in the Sino-Mongolian border region and to offer technical support for enhancing fire prevention capabilities within the “Three-North” shelterbelt system. Method: In this study, L. gmelinii biological firebreaks in the Bailang area of the northeastern Sino-Mongolian border was targeted. The fuel characteristic classification system (FCCS) was used to simulate the potential fire behavior of biological firebreaks at different forest belt densities under varying fuel moisture contents, wind speeds, and slope scenarios. Finally, the entropy-weight TOPSIS method was employed to comprehensively evaluate the fire control effectiveness of different forest belt densities across multiple scenarios. Result: 1) Under different wind speed and slope conditions, higher forest belt densities (≥ 8 000 individual·hm?2) in biological firebreaks significantly suppressed potential surface fire behavior compared to the control plot (CK). The maximum reduction in fire spread rate reached 93.94%, and the maximum reduction in flame height reached 87.60%. 2) Forest belt density indirectly suppressed flame height by reducing fire spread rate. Wind speed and slope also affected the potential fire behavior of biological firebreaks, indicating that optimization of forest belt structure in combination with terrain configuration is essential to enhance fire control effectiveness. 3) Based on the entropy-weight TOPSIS method, the comprehensive evaluation of fire control effectiveness across multiple scenarios showed that the fire resistance effect was as follows: 8 000 individual·hm?2> 9 000 individual·hm?2> 7 000 individual·hm?2> 6 000 individual·hm?2. Conclusion: Rationally increasing the forest belt density of biological firebreaks can effectively regulate forest flammability and reduce potential fire risk. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize the use of high-density (≥ 8 000 individual·hm?2) biological firebreaks in high-fire-risk areas along the Sino-Mongolian border, and optimize forest and understory structure in conjunction with terrain, wind direction, and other environmental factors to balance fire prevention and ecological benefits. Future studies should also consider potential ecological effects of high-density biological firebreaks, such as reduced understory biodiversity and slower nutrient cycling. Further exploration should be conducted on the comprehensive impacts of forest belt density regulation on ecosystem structure and function, in order to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the configuration of biological firebreaks in the Sino-Mongolian border region and other high-fire-risk northern forest areas.

Key words: biological firebreak, forest belt density, fuel characteristic classification system (FCCS), fire behavior, fuel management, China-Mongolia border

CLC Number: