Fire is an implicit part of California—foundational to its ecological and human heritage. Even in
coastal northern California, the landscapes we know and love are mostly adapted to fire, and in
many cases, they are dependent on it. This presentation covers basic concepts in fire science and
ecology, including the fire triangle, the fire behavior triangle, and fire regimes, as well as local
examples of fire-adapted and fire-dependent ecosystems. The presentation will lay the
foundation to help participants see and understand California’s diverse landscapes through the
lens of the fire regimes by which they were shaped.
