What type of fuel is most dominant in mountainous areas, particularly in the Northwest?

Timber litter is the most dominant type of fuel in mountainous areas, especially in the Northwest, due to the prevalence of coniferous forests in these regions. These forests are composed largely of trees, which produce substantial amounts of litter, including fallen needles, twigs, and branches. As these materials accumulate, they create a layer of organic matter on the forest floor.

This timber litter is critical in understanding fire behavior, as it can contribute to the intensity and spread of wildfires. The combination of moisture levels in these mountainous areas and the specific characteristics of timber litter influences how easily it ignites and burns, making it a significant factor for fire management in forested landscapes.

While grass, shrubs, and logs can also be found in these regions, they are not as predominant as the timber litter formed from the extensive forests common in the Northwest. Grass tends to flourish in different ecosystems, shrubs can be more prevalent in drier areas, and while logs are important, they represent a single category of fuel as opposed to the broader, more abundant timber litter.