Forest Fires

Types of Forest Fires:

Ground Fires - Sometimes called underground or subsurface. Takes place on the ground.
Surface Fires - Takes place on the surface of the forest up to 4 feet on the trees. These are the most common type of forest fires that occur. They are the easiest fires to put out and cause the least damage.
Crown Fires - The most dangerous forest fire. They can often spread the fastest. When the wind is blowing it can make the fire "jump" from tree to tree.

How Do Forest Fires Start?

Forest fires usually start in a number of ways. Lighting can strike a tree and set fire to the tree, and too much combustion of sawdust and dry leaves. The other way these fires are started is by humans...either with their cars, cigarettes or anything that can make a spark and turn into fire. Also, wind can knock down power lines and have the broken wires ignite on some of the dry vegetation below it and start a fast growing fire due to the components contributing to it.

How to Manage Forest Fire Occurrences:

Many forests in California are abounding with dead pine trees that are highly flammable. The state of California does not permit you to chop down neither the alive or dead trees. With the lack of water California has been left to deal with, the trees do not have enough water to retain sap which helps it increase its flammability. There is a need to chop down the dead trees which are just fuel for the fire. It can be a good thing to have an occasional controlled burn to get rid of some of the very dry plants that could potentially threaten the forest it self.

Extreme surface fire

Forest fire destroying a hill, its natural resources, and its inhabitants

How to Prevent Forest Fires:

Do not leave campfires unattended
Make sure campfires are completely out before leaving them
Dispose of cigarettes, matches, lighters etc
Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste and avoid it all together when windy

Resources:

Coen S. & Abby S. ('21)

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