A visual training tool for the Photoload sampling technique

Abstract

This visual training aid is designed to provide Photoload users a tool to increase the accuracy of fuel loading estimations when using the Photoload technique. The Photoload Sampling Technique (RMRS-GTR-190) provides fire managers a sampling method for obtaining consistent, accurate, inexpensive, and quick estimates of fuel loading. It is designed to require only one hour of training, but the accuracy of the estimates can be increased with additional training and visual calibration. This training tool is designed to help users estimate loadings of the six common surface fuel components used in the Photoload method (1 hr, 10 hr, 100 hr, and 1000 hr downed, dead woody fuels and live and dead shrubs and herbaceous fuels). Users estimate the loadings of the fuels in the photographs in this document using the Photoload sampling technique and then compare their estimates to the actual loadings that are given on the page following each photograph. Each photograph set contains a photograph of the fuelbed, a photograph of the stand, and a table of laboratory measured loadings. The photographed fuelbeds are in both natural and disturbed sites.

Keywords

fuel load loading, fuel sampling, fuelbeds, photographs, wildland fire

Citation

Holley, Violet J.; Keane, Robert E. 2010. A visual training tool for the Photoload sampling technique. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-242. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 235 p.