In-situ sampling campaign of Fuel Moisture Content

Throughout the growing season 2022 we sampled fuel moisture content (FMC) eight times. The samples sites were close to the climate measurement stations at Grillenburg (grassland) and Tharandt Forest in Saxony. Both sites are managed by the Chair of Meteorology at TU Dresden.

We collected both dead (DFMC) and live (LFMC) fuels that were transported to the Chair of Forest Growth´s DenroLab in sealed tins for evaporation protection. The fresh and dry mass of each sample was measured before and after drying the samples respectively. Drying was carried out in a laboratory oven at constant temperature and fixed conditions. LFMC Samples were also taken at canopy level at approx. 12m - 15m height for Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies. On 4^th August vertical sampling at different canopy levels was carried out on an individual Fagus sylvatica at heights of 4m, 12m, and 18m.

© Konrad Bauer

The Data will be used to support a Europe-wide approach for modelling FMC in the scope of the Horizon 2020 project FirEUrisk. In addition to the project, FMC data will be used to evaluate our own FMC models and support the investigation of the fire risk assessment connected to the recent wildfires in the cross-border area of the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks.