Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A fire line (or firebreak) is a cleared strip of land constructed within forests and wildlife sanctuaries to stop or slow down the spread of wildfires.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Fire lines are classified into different categories based on their function and width:
1. Principal (or Main) fire lines are designed to divide forest blocks into manageable compartments. They are maintained at a width of 30 to 40 meters to prevent crown fires from crossing over.
2. Secondary (or Subsidiary) fire lines are narrower, typically around 6 to 10 meters wide, and are used to isolate smaller plantation areas.
- A width of 30-40 meters is standard in Indian forestry to allow control operations, including counter-firing.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The width of a principal planned fire line is 30-40 meters.