Important notes on wildfires that everyone should know

New natural catastrophes are as dreaded as wildfires in the United States. These fires have caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damages throughout the years, notes Volunteer Firefighter Alliance.

Fire is a natural occurrence in the environment in most places. It acts as a purifying agent, clearing out dead and dying items from the landscape. Forests have evolved to depend on fire for renewal. The tree seeds need fire to sprout into saplings that can capture sunlight and grow tall enough to reach the canopy.

Fire is a vital part of many ecosystems, but uncontrolled wildfires can impact humans as well. For instance, the vast wilderness areas in California are often threatened by wildfires during dry seasons. The fire department will work quickly to contain the blaze before it spreads too far and causes damage to homes or businesses nearby.

On average, about 3 million acres burn every year in the United States. Most of these fires are started naturally by lightning, but humans can also cause wildfires. Activities like cigarette butts thrown out of car windows, campfires left unattended, deliberate firing to clear out debris, arson for purposes of harm or sabotage all contribute to the danger.

Volunteer Firefighter Alliance points out that about 50,000 wildfires occur each year in the United States alone. These fires have been slowly increasing over the decades as dry seasons become longer and more extreme. The hotter, drier weather contributes to more volatile fires.

Learn more about Volunteer Firefighter Alliance by visiting its official website.