Fire behavior on a 2 ha fire, inferred from physical evidence observed one week after the fire, was compared with fire behavior estimates obtained using the BEHAVE fire behavior prediction system and fuel measurements in Imperata cylindrica (Alang-alang) made in the same area. This fire probably burned under light winds (3-5 km), high relative humidity, and spread slowly with moderate flame lengths (approximately 100 m hr-1 spread rate, 0.5 - 0.7 m flame lengths). Although appar- ently killed by lethal crown and bole scorch, the young Acacia mangium overstory through which the fire burned resprouted vigorously and apparently survived.

Fire is an important factor in the Imperata grassland ecosystem. It prevents or slows down the natural succession to shrubs and/or secondary forest vegetation and is a major threat to (agro)forestry options for Imperata grassland rehabilitation. Forest fires can also be a primary cause of the extension of Imperata grasslands. In this review an attempt is made to integrate biophysical and socioeconomic aspects of the causation of fires in a conceptual model. Fire effects on vegetation are examined. The management options at the level of a farmer, a village community and a national government are analyzed.

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