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WHAT IS A WILDFIRE? |
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Wildfire is one of the most destructive natural forces known to mankind. While sometimes caused by lightning, nine out of ten wildfires are human-caused. Put simply, "wildfire" is the term applied to any unwanted and unplanned fire burning in forest, shrub or grass. |
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The current increase in instances of wildfire can be explained by four key factors: |
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Past fire suppression policies, including one of "total suppression," which allowed for the accumulation of fuel in the form fallen leaves, branches, and excessive plant overgrowth in forest and wildland areas |
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Increasingly dry, hot weather. |
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Changing weather patterns across the US. |
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Increased residental development in the wildland/urban interface. |
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To fully understand the growing risk of wildfires and their growing frequency, explore the elements of fire, fire's natural place in certain ecosystems, and what happens when fire is removed from a fire dependent ecosystem. |
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