New research finds a particular tree species can act as a wildfire barrier

McGill University research using satellite imagery of Canada's boreal forest demonstrates that large patches of aspen trees successfully slow wildfires by maintaining higher moisture content and having leaves that start higher on trunks than coniferous needles, limiting ground fire spread.

The research also highlights that commercial forestry practices in Ontario—including glyphosate spraying to eliminate aspen in favor of harvestable conifers—may be increasing fire risk by removing these natural fire barriers.