Selection of Fire-resistant Tree Species for Southwestern China

Selection of fire-resistant tree species for the southwestern China and the planting of those species can effectively prevent large area's fire damage. In this paper the components and flammability of leaves, twigs and barks of 12 tree species in the mountain area of southwestern China have been tested and analyzed in the laboratory. The test and analysis indicate the results as follows: (1) for all the tree species, the fire-resistance of leaves is much weaker than that of twigs and barks, and the broad leaves are stronger than those of conifers in fire-resistance. (2) Heat value, moisture, ignition point and ash content are main indexes to affect fire-resistance. Heat value relates to lignose content and benzene-ethanol extractive content linearly. (3) Of all the 12 tree species, Schima superba, Castanopsis hystrix, Myrica rubra have the strongest resistance to fire;Machilus pauhoi, Michelia macclurei, Mytilaria laosensis, Camellia olifera and Manglietia tenuipes are relatively strong in fire-resistance, and Lithocapus thalassica, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Cunninghamia lanceolata and Pinus massoniana are weak in fire-resistance.