XVI International Botanical Congess

The relationship between wildland fire intensity, fire temperature, and the response of vegetation is complex. Studies have often used fire intensity as a gauge for temperature, then attempt to relate the results to vegetation response. However, few studies have been conducted at very fine scales to monitor fire temperatures at the immediate surface and subsurface levels. This zone will have the greatest impact on litter layer organisms and seeds. Aluminum tags were painted with temperature-sensitive paints ranging from 38-427C and placed at -2, +2, and +12cm relative to the soil surface, in 1 x 1m grids with 20cm spacing distances. Belowground (<30C) and 12cm (range: 150-225C) sensors were spatially homogeneous across the experimental burn plots. Sensors in the leaf litter experienced the hottest temperatures (95-375C) and greatest spatial variability.