For crown fires, what is the minimum recommended canopy clearance?

The minimum recommended canopy clearance for crown fires is 18-20 feet. This clearance is crucial for reducing the risk of fire spreading from the ground to the crowns of trees. When there is sufficient vertical clearance between the ground and the canopy, it helps to create a buffer zone that can slow down or mitigate the intensity of a fire.

Having a clearance in this range helps to ensure that the flames do not easily reach the lower branches of the trees, which are often more flammable. This distance accounts for various factors such as the type of trees, their height, and the specific fire behavior characteristics in a wildland setting. By maintaining this clearance, fire management professionals can significantly improve the safety of both the forest environment and firefighting efforts.