Tulepiir

Tulepiir is a term used in forestry and fire management to describe a cleared strip of land designed to prevent the spread of wildfires. This strip is typically cleared of flammable vegetation such as trees, brush, and dry leaves. The width of a tulepiir can vary depending on the potential fire intensity, topography, and fuel type, but it is generally wide enough to act as a firebreak, halting or significantly slowing the advance of a wildfire.

The creation of tulepiirs can be achieved through various methods, including mechanical clearing with bulldozers and chainsaws, prescribed burning to remove fuel, or manual labor. They are often established along roadsides, around structures, or in areas where firebreaks are strategically important to protect communities or valuable natural resources. Tulepiirs are a proactive measure, intended to be in place before a fire occurs, thereby providing a defensible space for firefighters to work from and to contain the fire. The effectiveness of a tulepiir depends on its maintenance; over time, vegetation can regrow, necessitating periodic clearing and upkeep. In some contexts, the term may also refer to natural features that act similarly, like rocky outcrops or bodies of water, though the primary meaning relates to human-created firebreaks.