What is Forest Fires? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts
What is Forest Fires?
are large, uncontrolled fires that occur in forests. Some of the strongest fires occur in forests because there is too much fuel (trees) to burn. Wildfires are a type of forest fire. Other types of wildfires include grass fires, bush fires, and hill fires.
Major Causes of Forest Fires
Human activities are the leading cause of wildfires in the United States. It could be negligence like not putting out a campfire or dropping a burning cigarette. It can also be arson, which is intentional and illegal arson. About 80% of wildfires in the United States are caused by humans.
Get Free Counseling
Most fires of natural causes are started by lightning. Other natural causes include volcanic eruptions and sparks from falling rocks.
How do Forest Fires spread?
Many factors contribute to the spread of a wildfire and its intensity. They Consist of:
Weather – Weather has a significant impact on the spread of a fire. Fires are more likely to start and spread during times of drought when grass and trees wither. Strong winds can help fires spread and move quickly. Temperature (how hot it is) and humidity (how dry the air is) will also affect the spread of a fire.
Fuel – Fires need fuel to ignite. The type of fuel will have an impact on how quickly a fire spreads as well as its intensity. In a forest, there can be a lot of fuel, including trees, leaves, needles, shrubs, and grasses that grow under the canopy.
How do Firefighters put them out?
Wildfires can be extremely difficult to extinguish or control. Wildfires can be huge and change direction quickly. They can travel at more than 6 miles per hour and can jump over natural gaps such as rivers and roads. That is to say, modern firefighters are well trained and know how to control wildfires.
Two of the main techniques used to fight forest fires are fire suppression and air drop.
Firebreak – One of the best ways to stop a fire is to remove the fuel (trees, grass, etc.) Firefighters usually remove fuel in a long line in front of where the fire is taking place. This line is called the firewall. Once the fire reaches the firewall, it will run out of fuel and stop spreading.
Air drop – Sometimes firefighters use planes and helicopters to drop water or special firefighting chemicals from the air. These planes can carry thousands of gallons of liquids or gels to drop into hard-to-reach fire areas.
Are some Forest Fires good?
Yes, some wildfires are good for the forest. They can clear debris that accumulates under trees. By burning debris, fire helps enrich the soil and make room for new plants to grow.
Campfire Safety
Whenever camping, you need to be extra careful when setting up and putting out campfires. To stay safe, you must light a campfire in a safe place, you must have a suitable campfire pit, and you must ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.
Interesting Facts about Forest Fires
A crown flame is a flame that spreads rapidly by burning through the treetops.
Wildfires in the United States typically burn between 4 and 9 million acres each year.
Billions of dollars are spent each year fighting fires in the United States.
Many fires in southern California are spread by hot, dry winds called the Santa Ana winds.
Sometimes the winds around the fire can start to change direction, causing a fire vortex to form.
If you live near a bushfire-prone area, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for what you’ll do in the event of a wildfire.