Volatile Oil in Pinus yunnanensis Potentially Contributes to Extreme Fire Behavior

Volatile oils in forest fuel can significantly affect fire behavior, especially extreme e.g., deflagration, storms, blowups, eruptive fires and crown fires. However, how these influence behavior remains unclear, as few qualitative studies have been performed globally. In the present study, we compared volatile oil contents components live branches surface dead of Pinus yunnanensis Franch, which is widely distributed Southwest China, to explore their potential effects on behavior. Fifteen samples fifteen were collected. extracted from using steam distillation, identified analyzed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results show that content was high 8.28 mL·kg−1 (dry weight) higher than (3.55 mL·kg−1). P. 126.12 kg per hectare. main terpenoids, monoterpenes accounted for highest proportion based (62.63%), followed by sesquiterpenes (22.44%). terpenoid compounds more abundant those fuel. Monoterpenes low boiling points, calorific values a lower explosion limit (LEL; 38.4 g·m−3), are important characteristics manifestation such deflagration. analysis indicate when heated, oily gases could fill 3284.26 m3 hectare, with concentration reaching LEL. We conclude has an greater effect