Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
Figure 11. Alternative 1 Fire Hazard Rating (Year 2018).
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Acres
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Alternative 1- Fire Hazard Rating
Alternative 1
Table 41. Fire Hazard Rating for Existing Condition and No Action at Year 2018
Fire Hazard Existing Conditions Alternative 1
Rating Acres % Acres %
Low 1,777 7 2,007 8
Moderate 2,309 9 323 1
High 11,125 43 2,006 8
Very High 10,437 41 21,312 83
Table 42. Fire Hazard Rating within WUI - No Action at Year 2018
Fire Hazard Existing Conditions Alternative 1
Rating Acres % Acres %
Low 1,301 8 1,251 8
Moderate 928 6 149 1
High 6,498 41 828 5
Very High 7,118 45 13,617 86
Qualitatively, in the absence of treatments or the use of prescribed fire, the fire hazard is
expected to worsen across the project area. The only action that could improve the fire
hazard, in this alternative, is a wildfire and the longevity and improvement of that
wildfire would be directly associated to the fire intensity.
Fire behavior in both the moderate and high severity areas would result in an increase in
resistance to control and a greater likelihood of wildfire escape leading to an increased
risk of loss of natural forest resources as well as private property, and decreased
firefighter and public safety. The high intensity would also cause consumption of the
remaining duff layer and soil heating as well as other resource damage. Without
Low
Moderate
High
Very High