University of the Sunshine Coast researchers found that irrigating low-flammability vegetation can slow wildfire spread and intensity, potentially providing more time for community preparation.
Key facts
- •The study focused on the Noosa Shire, an area where residential development often borders native vegetation.
- •Researchers simulated the impact of daily irrigation amounts of 1 or 2 millimeters (0.04 or 0.08 inches).
- •In moderate weather, fire spread 80 times faster in dry eucalypt forests than in irrigated green firebreaks receiving 2 millimeters of water.
- •The research team included Jady Smith, Dr. Sam Van Holsbeeck, Anthony Power, and professor Francis (Jack) Putz.
- •The findings were published in the journal Fire in 2026.
A new study from the University of the Sunshine Coast suggests that irrigating green firebreaks—strips of fire-resistant vegetation—can significantly reduce the speed and intensity of wildfires. Using computer modeling focused on the Noosa Shire, researchers simulated various scenarios to test how moisture levels in vegetation influence fire behavior. The findings indicate that even small daily amounts of water could help moderate fire conditions, even during severe weather events.
By the numbers
Modeling Fire Behavior
Researchers compared 20 different scenarios, including dry eucalypt forests, nonirrigated green firebreaks, and irrigated green firebreaks. The modeling showed that dry eucalypt forests produced the most intense and fastest-moving wildfires. While nonirrigated green firebreaks offered some moderation, they remained vulnerable to extreme weather conditions that could overwhelm firefighting efforts. In contrast, irrigated firebreaks that received as little as 1 or 2 millimeters of water daily consistently showed reduced fire spread and intensity. In moderate fire weather, the model predicted that fire would spread nearly four times faster in dry eucalypt forests than in nonirrigated green firebreaks, and more than 80 times faster than in irrigated firebreaks receiving 2 millimeters of water per day.
Future Research and Implementation
Lead researcher Jady Smith noted that the preliminary assessment demonstrates how keeping vegetation moist impacts fire behavior. However, study co-author Dr. Sam Van Holsbeeck emphasized that these findings serve as an initial proof of concept rather than a universal solution. Further research is required to determine the optimal plant species for these firebreaks, the design of watering systems, and water sourcing. The team noted that while irrigated firebreaks could complement existing fire management strategies by providing more time for evacuations or preparation, they are not suitable for every location and cannot stop all fires.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Phys.org.
