Peat surface compression reduces smouldering fire potential as a novel fuel treatment for boreal peatlands

The wildfire regime in Canada’s boreal region is changing; extended fire seasons are characterized by more frequent large fires (≥200 ha) burning greater areas of land, whilst climate-mediated drying is increasing the vulnerability of peatlands to deep burning. Proactive management strategies, such as fuel modification treatments, are necessary to reduce fire danger at the wildland–human interface (WHI). Novel approaches to fuel management are …