Abstract: The forest fuel model can comprehensively describe the fuels with huge variability, which is the basis for the establishment of forest fire simulation system and the prediction and simulation of forest fire behavior. From the perspective of potential forest fire behavior and based on key parameters of fuels, we used systematic clustering method to classify fuels, predict fire behavior, and finally establish a standard forest fuel model in southern Jiangxi. The results showed that the spread rate and flame length of different fuels increase with the increases of wind speed when the slope remains unchanged. Fuels are sensitive to slope and wind speed. The intensity of fire line increases with the increases of both variables. Four standard fuel models can be established in southern Jiangxi, and the representative vegetation types are Phyllostachys heterocycla forest (model FL-I), Pinus massoniana forest (model FL-II), coniferous mixed forest (Pinus massoniana-Cunninghamia lanceolata), broadleaved and coniferous mixed forest (P. massoniana-C. lanceolata-Schima superba) and C. lanceolata forest (model FL-III) and Schima superba forest, broadleaved mixed forest (S. superba-Liquidambar formosana) (model FL-IV). The prediction results of fire behaviors of different fuels and the surface and vertical structure characteristics of the four standard fuel models can support forest fire management.

Key words: forest fuel, fuel classification, fuel model, potential fire behavior, southern Jiangxi