FPInnovations is beginning to investigate the effectiveness of stand thinning as a fuel treatment for community protection in black spruce stands. Both Alberta and the NWT are interested in the effectiveness of thinning in black spruce fuels as little research has taken place in this commonly occurring stand type. Agencies are particularly interested in stem spacing and how the surface fuels contribute to fire spread. FPInnovations has a number of plots in the NWT and Alberta (Pelican) where research will continue to take place.