Forest Fire Foundation
What are forest fires?
Forest fires are large uncontrollable moving combustion reactions (fires) that spread outward in a band from its ignition point leaving burned out forest behind it.
How do forest fires start?
Forest fires, like any other fire need all three sides of the fire triangle; Oxygen, Fuel & Heat. Oxygen is readily available outdoors, fuel is also easily obtained through things such as branches & dry grass.
The heat aspect of the fire triangle is introdued through one of two ways;
-
Human Caused
-
Nature Caused
Human Caused
Nature Caused
Most forest fires are caused by humans.
Ways humans cause fires:
Unattended Campfires
Discarded Cigarettes
Intentionally
Nature caused forest fires only make up 42% of the total forest fires.
Ways nature causes fires:
Lightning
When all three of these elements combine in a forest, it creates an uncontrollable fire. The fire is uncontrollable because of the nearly endless supply of oxygen and fuel.
