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deadfall

How Deadfall From Windstorms Can Affect Wildfire Behavior

Posted: April 16, 2025

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Windstorms can damage structures, infrastructure and natural ecosystems. They may lead to defoliation, branch loss and the destruction of trees and shrubs that become deadfall. Deadfall refers to the jumbled mass of trees, branches and other dead vegetation.

Deadfall can provide habitats for a variety of species, including fish, insects and birds. However, under certain conditions — especially when it is hot and dry — this dead material can serve as additional fuel in ecosystems, increasing the likelihood of ignition and fire intensity.

Cannon et al. states, “Understanding the interactions between wind damage and fire is important due to the potential for severe wind damage to fuel intense wildfires.”

The Southern Area Decisional Support Group released the Spring 2025 Seasonal Risk Assessment. It highlights the increased risk of wildfires in the South, partly due to the recent hurricanes that have contributed to the accumulation of deadfall that heightens the probability of fire.

The effects of Hurricane Helene cannot be overstated. A tremendous potential for large fire growth in difficult terrain will increase with each passing day. Recent reports of fire behavior in areas of heavy debris involve significant resistance to control.

Southern Fire Exchange, Spring 2025 Seasonal Risk Assessment

To improve prevention, response and mitigation strategies, the report offers several recommendations for local, state and tribal fire and emergency service responders and land managers:

  • Pre-position firefighting resources in high-risk areas for quicker response times.
  • Enhance public awareness and fire prevention efforts in regions affected by hurricane damage and drought.
  • Encourage residents to make improvements to homes to make them safer from wildfires as well as work together to protect local infrastructure.
  • Strengthen multiagency coordination to ensure a well-prepared and unified response.
  • Monitor fire environment trends and precipitation forecasts closely to adapt suppression activities accordingly.

For more information on how to help your community prepare for wildfire events, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s resources aimed at enhancing resilience against wildfires.