Event (32) Elongated flames stay underneath canopy on steep slope.

Air Observer

Photo: Stephen Wilkes. 148.76° -35.48° looking S at about 1500 AEDST 18 January 2003.

This photo shows flames being entrained onto the slope to the west of Mount Franklin. The forest is a thirty-metre high Mountain Gum mixed montane type. The slope is a minimum of 35°. In this example of the Trench Effect, the flames run for a considerable distance upslope before any smoke or flames breech the canopy. The effect can occur if the slope exceeds 27°.

Implications

Phenomenon	Urgency	Indicated Red Flag Warning
Eruptive Fire Growth	?	???

Eruptive fire growth is a known fire crew killer. Any crews operating between the fire and the top of the ridge are at risk. Air Observers should initially liaise directly with Sector Leaders to ensure crew safety.

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This material arises from work carried out by the HighFire Risk Project.

Material prepared by R. McRae September 2009.