What is the effect of fuels above a fire located on an uphill slope?

Fuels located above a fire on an uphill slope serve to enhance combustion because they can ignite from radiant heat and direct contact with flames. When a wildfire burns uphill, it preheats the fuels above it, creating favorable conditions for ignition. The flames can easily reach these upper fuels, allowing them to catch fire more quickly and contribute to the overall intensity and spread of the fire. This phenomenon occurs due to the natural tendency of fire to travel upwards, as heat rises, and the fire is naturally propelled by the slope, which can create an intense upward draft that assists in the combustion process of nearby fuels.

In contrast, fuels lower on the slope or those not in immediate contact with the fire are less likely to ignite as rapidly, which affects the overall spread and intensity of the fire. It is critical to understand that this behavior of fuels in relation to fire on slopes can significantly impact firefighting strategies and the management of fire in wildland areas.