What type of fuels are classified as being located close to the surface of the ground?

Surface fuels are defined as those types of combustible materials that are located near the ground surface and can ignite and support the spread of fire. These include materials such as grass, leaves, shrubs, and small trees that are typically found on the forest floor or landscape.

Understanding surface fuels is essential for fire management, as they are often the initial source of ignition for wildfires. They can carry fire quickly across the landscape, affecting fire behavior, intensity, and spread. Firefighters must have a thorough understanding of surface fuels when planning controlled burns or managing wildland fires to develop effective strategies for fuel reduction and fire suppression.

In contrast, other types of fuels like sub-surface fuels are found beneath the surface layer and may include partially decayed organic matter; aerial fuels are located above ground level, such as tree canopies; and ground fuels are those that can be buried deep within the soil or litter layer, such as roots or decomposing organic material. Each type plays a significant role in the broader context of fire dynamics but does not pertain specifically to materials found at the surface level as surface fuels do.