.png)
Wildfires
- Snigdha Suresh
- 5 hours ago
- 1 min read
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that occurs in forests, grasslands, bushlands, savannas or wildland vegetation. They may occur naturally or because of a human made spark. What are the causes of wildfire?
Wildfires depend on a number factors such as:
Temperature
Presence of trees and shrubs
Climate change
Land use and forest management
Warm and dry conditions can make the region more prone to wildfires. These conditions make it harder to put off the fire. They also contribute to the spread of mountain pine beetles and other insects which weaken or kill trees, building up fuels in the forest. Topography also plays a role in wildfires. They burn faster uphill than downhill. Dried grass, leaves and small branches are known as flash fuels as they ignite fast and spread fire quickly.
The impact of wildfire has serious consequences. Studies report that wildfires are becoming more intense and common. They destroy and damage infrastructures like telecommunications networks, power grids, roads, homes etc. They also cause air pollution which can lead to respiratory problems.
Wildfires can be harmful to the environment but they can also be useful. In many ecosystems, they are nature’s way of regenerating the earth. They allow nutrients to re-enter the soil. They kill insects and diseases that harm trees. At low intensity, they can clear up debris and underbush on the forest floor. They even open up space to let sunlight through the ground. This sunlight helps smaller plants flourish.
Works Cited
Comments