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Forest Fires

Forest fires are large uncontrolled fires that take place in the forest. Some of the fiercest fires occur in the forest because there is so much fuel (trees) to burn. Forest fires are a type of wildfire. Other types of wildfires include grass fires, brush fires, and hill fires. Major Causes of Forest Fires The major cause of forest fires in the United States is human activities. This can be carelessness such as not putting out a campfire or dropping a lit cigarette. It may also be arson, which is setting a fire on purpose and is against the law. Around 80% of forest fires in the United States are caused by humans.

• Weather - The weather has a large impact on how a fire will spread. Fires are much more likely to start and spread during droughts when the grass and plants are dry. A strong wind can help a fire to spread and move quickly. The temperature (how hot it is) and humidity (how dry the air is) will also impact how well the fire will spread.
• Fuel - Fires need fuel to burn. The type of fuel will impact how quickly the fire will spread as well as how intense it will be. In a forest there can be plenty of fuel including trees, leaves, needles, shrubs, and grasses growing beneath the trees.
• Topography - The topography is the shape and features of the land where the fire is burning. Fire tends to move faster uphill. Fires may spread quickly up steep slopes on the sides of mountains and hills.

• Firebreak - One of the best ways to stop a fire is to get rid of the fuel (trees, grass, etc.) that is helping it to burn. Firefighters will often remove the fuel in a long line ahead of the where the fire is advancing. This line is called a firebreak. When the fire reaches the firebreak it runs out of fuel and stops spreading.
• Air drop - Sometimes firefighters will use airplanes and helicopters to drop water or special firefighting chemicals on fires from the air. These aircraft can carry thousands of gallons of liquid or gel to drop on hard to reach areas of the fire.

• A crown fire is a fire that spreads quickly by burning across the tops of trees.
• Wildfires in the United States typically burn between 4 million and 9 million acres each year.
• Billions of dollars is spent every year fighting fires in the United States.
• Many fires in southern California are spread by dry hot winds called the Santa Ana winds.
• Sometimes the winds around a fire can begin to spin causing a fire tornado to form.
• If you live near an area that is known for wildfires, it is good to have a plan in place on what you will do in the case of a wildfire.

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