Wildfire, also called a forest, bush or vegetation fire, can be described as any uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brushland or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels and spreads based on environmental conditions
Wildfires occur when all the necessary elements of a fire triforce come together in a susceptible area: an ignition source is brought into contact with combustible material such as vegetation, that is subjected to enough heat and has an adequate supply of oxygen from the ambient air. forest fire wildfire united states forest service
Forest fires help in the natural cycle of woods' growth and replenishment. They Release seeds or otherwise encourage the growth of certain tree species, like lodgepole pines. Clear dead trees, leaves, and competing vegetation from the forest floor, so new plants can grow.
Typically, species that regenerate by re-sprouting after they've burned have an extensive root system. Dormant buds are protected underground, and nutrients stored in the root system allow quick sprouting after the fire.
Forest managers sometimes use prescribed burning to get rid of built-up fuel loads in forested areas. These planned and controlled burns are referred to as “prescribed fires.” They are a versatile management tool, often used to reduce the risk of large, uncontrollable fires breaking out.
Wildfires increase air pollution in surrounding areas and can affect regional air quality. The effects of smoke from wildfires can range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death.
Fire removes low-growing underbrush, cleans the forest floor of debris, opens it up to sunlight, and nourishes the soil. Reducing this competition for nutrients allows established trees to grow stronger and healthier. History teaches us that hundreds of years ago forests had fewer, yet larger, healthier trees. wildfire united states forest service