Estimated Smoldering Potential (ESP) : a decision support tool for smoldering in organic soils

Jim Reardon, RMRS Fire Science Lab, Missoula, MT

Gary Curcio, IPA Fire Environment Consultants, LaGrange, NC

Smoldering Limits of OrganicMaterials

The curve expresses the estimated probability of sustained smoldering in muck soil in relation to moisture content. Open circles represent unburned samples and filled circles

represent burned samples Increasing probability (0 to 1) represents an increased likelihood of sustained smoldering in muck soil.

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Figure 11. Pocosin Lakes NWR 2005 - 2007 , KBDI values (a) and root mat and 30 cmsoil depth estimated smoldering probabilities (b)

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