Green Firebreaks: Potential to Proactively Complement Wildfire Management

With increased wildfire risks and reduced suppression effectiveness, Green Firebreaks (GFBs) provide a proactive approach to fuel management. This literature review revealed diverse approaches to GFB design that generally involve establishing strips of low-flammability vegetation to slow fire spread and reduce fireline intensity. While GFB approaches may reduce fire spread and intensity by creating fuel discontinuities, empirical studies validating their effectiveness remain scarce. Comparing GFB techniques is challenging due to spatial and temporal complexity combined with inconsistent methods and terminology. Several researchers note that GFB effectiveness requires matching design with site conditions; they are not a stand-alone solution to the wildfire problem, and they are not suitable in all settings. A lack of consideration for trade offs may undermine the effectiveness of green firebreaks, particularly under extreme weather conditions. As climate change intensifies drought and heat, vegetation moisture content, which is critical to flammability, must be a key design factor, since even low flammability species can become fuel under extreme drought conditions. In addition, poorly designed GFB structures may unintentionally alter wind dynamics, increasing ember transport and fire spread rather than reducing it. There is a broad consensus in the literature that appropriately designed GFBs can complement wildfire management, while also providing additional benefits. To achieve their potential, research is required for GFB designs to be site-specific, responsive to trade-offs, and effective in providing multiple benefits under different climate change scenarios.