Linking fire behaviour and its ecological effects to plant traits, using FRaME in R

Floral fire ecology incorporates a feedback loop in which plants influence behaviour and influences the flora. Recent advances modelling have quantified many plant-based drivers of behaviour, but consequent ecological effects this not yet been adequately modelled mechanistically. Here, I introduce Fire Research Modelling Environment (FRaME) as open-source R package frame on GitHub. FRaME calculates using biophysical, mechanistic model building into complex simulations. From these, it models heat transfer from flames surrounding surfaces, calculating its soils. demonstrate application central analysis functions detailed case study, validate predictions effects, derive quantitative measures for efficacy different management treatments to mitigate risk vulnerable ecosystem. predicted such breaking seed dormancy, scorch girdling tree strata, consistent with observed providing insights treatment that were captured by existing assumptions. analyses able identify both increased likelihood success containing fires minimised impacts fire-sensitive provides platform examine full role an ecosystem, ways biota drive flammability By mechanistically incorporating effect biophysical throughout feedback, can provide novel solutions problems, quantify guide effective mitigation measures. The is extensible, conceptual framework emerging work be incorporated.