How to build a firebreak to stop smouldering peat fire: insights from a laboratory-scale study

Smouldering wildfire is an important disturbance to peatlands worldwide; it contributes significantly global carbon emissions and provides positive feedback climate change. Herein, we explore the feasibility of firebreaks control smouldering peat fires through laboratory-scale experiments. The dry-mass moisture content (MC) soil was varied from 10% (air-dried) 125%. We found that fire may be successfully extinguished above mineral layer, even if layer not entirely removed. There are two criteria for effective firebreak: (I) adding water make sufficiently wet (>115% MC in present work); (II) ensuring thinner than quenching thickness (< 5 cm). Criterion I fail table declines or dried by surface hot weather; thus, satisfying II more attainable. A sloping trench-shaped firebreak recommended guide flow help maintain high content. This work a scientific foundation fighting mitigating wildfires guidance about protective measures field-scale