This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: New modeling shows irrigating low-flammability vegetation substantially reduces the predicted spread and intensity of wildfires, which could give communities critical extra preparation time, according to a University of the Sunshine Coast study. It coincides with the start of Australia's wildfire season, with fire authorities forecasting heightened wildfire risk across several parts of the country, including central and southern Queensland.
UniSC researchers used high-tech computer software to simulate how different types of vegetation, moisture levels and weather influenced fire behavior, focusing on the Noosa Shire, where many homes border native vegetation. Green firebreaks are strips of strategically planted low-flammability, fire-resistant vegetation designed to reduce the spread of wildfires, particularly in areas where development has expanded into fire-risk zones. The study investigated the impact of adding irrigation to green firebreaks in drought conditions, when the threat of wildfire is often greatest.
The research is published in the journal Fire. Researchers used computer modeling to compare 20 scenarios across dry eucalypt forest, nonirrigated green firebreaks and irrigated green firebreaks that received tiny amounts of water each day. UniSC lead researcher and Ph.D. student Jady Smith said the modeling showed a consistent reduction in the predicted spread and intensity of wildfires when green firebreaks were irrigated, including under the most severe conditions tested.
"Our preliminary assessment indicates that keeping vegetation moist has a significant impact on how a fire behaves," he said. "The modeling shows even small amounts of water, such as 1 or 2 millimeters (0.04 or 0.08 inches) a day, can slow the spread and reduce the intensity of wildfires, even in catastrophic conditions." In moderate fire weather, for example, the modeling predicted fire would spread nearly four times faster in the dry eucalypt forest scenario than in the nonirrigated green firebreak, and more than 80 times faster than in the irrigated green firebreak receiving 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) of water daily. Study co-author and UniSC research fellow Dr.
Sam Van Holsbeeck said that while the findings are promising, more research is required. "Our findings provide an initial proof of concept in one specific region and suggest irrigated green firebreaks could complement existing fire management strategies. "Irrigated green firebreaks may increase the time available for warnings, preparation, evacuation or fighting fires, but they aren't suitable for every location and can't stop all fires.
"We need to work out the best plants to use, how to design the watering systems, where to get the water and perform tests in real-world conditions," Van Holsbeeck said. Smith, a researcher at UniSC's Forest Research Institute and Natural Hazards Research Australia, and Van Holsbeeck co-authored the study with colleagues Anthony Power and professor Francis (Jack) Putz. Smith et al, A Preliminary Assessment of Irrigated Green Firebreaks for Reducing Fire Spread and Intensity in Wildland–Urban Interface Landscapes: Noosa Shire, Australia, Fire (2026).
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