Doppler lidar observations of fire-induced circulations in the convection column of a wildland fire plume

Lidar measurements showed the development of fire-induced circulations in the convection column of a wildland fire plume. A ground-based Halo Photonics, Ltd. Stream Line 75 Lidar obtained Doppler wind velocities and backscatter intensity in and around two experimental fires conducted on grass covered slopes at Fort Hunter Liggett, CA. The goal of the experiment was to examine the fire-atmospheric interactions and fire behavior during head fires on sloped terrain. Analysis of the lidar measurements found an increase in wind velocities near fire front after the fire ignition, indicating strong upslope fire-induced winds. Horizontal and vertical cross-sectional scans captured the development of multiple counter rotating vorticies within the fire plume.