Archaeological perspectives on forest fires : a study of Swedish woodlands affected by fire between the years 1992–2018

The extent and effect of forest fires on ancient remains and cultural heritage in the boreal forest of Sweden is relatively unknown and scarcely researched. The aim of this study is to examine how a forest fire affects the archaeological record, partly in terms of damage degree and partly in what ways a fire can change the conditions for field surveying in a forest landscape. The purpose is also to discuss work strategies for heritage protection in a future with an increased numbers of days with risk for fire. Analysis of field reports from nine different areas affected by forest fire in Sweden, together with a minor interview study indicate how the severity of the fire can be both harmful to the remains and heritage, but also helpful with the field surveying. If a fire intensity is high, it can cause direct thermal action and frost action (weathering) but it can also induce risk of mass wasting (erosion). However, the most recurring phenomena that endangers the archaeological record by covering and concealing the remains and heritage is forestry. This can cause great damage when the reforestation takes place, as scarification is notoriously harmful to the archaeological record. At the same time, a burnt forest landscape where no trees nor ground cover is left, heightens the possibility of finding new and previously unknown remains and heritage.