What you need to know and ways to stay protected
Wildfires, or forest fires, are large destructive fires that move quickly over woodland or brush. They are dangerous because they spread at great speed. When uncontrolled, they can destroy property, wildlife, and people. Wildfires can produce smoke, particulates and greenhouse gases, which can negatively impact air quality. Read on to learn more about this extreme event and discover ways to protect ourselves and our valuable ecosystems.
Wildfires threaten many regions of the U.S.
U.S. wildfires typically happen in the summer months when most places face hot and dry temperatures. But, when conditions are present, they can occur anywhere at any time. Therefore, peak season varies from state to state. Per U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Since the 1980s, the annual number of large fires and area burned has significantly increased, with a sizable portion of the increase in fire activity occurring in the forests of the Northern Rocky Mountains, followed by forests in the Pacific northwest and southwest.”
Wildfires are commonly associated with Western states, with California reporting the highest occurrences. However, there are many other states with high risk of wildfires to include Oregon, Washington, Montana, Texas, Utah, Alaska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Nevada and more. In California, home builders are experimenting with the creation of unburnable homes. Though wildfires are a rarer occurrence in the New England States, no place is immune.
Dangerous wildfires happen quickly
Wildfires may unexpectedly happen anywhere and intensify when land is abnormally dry. They become particularly dangerous when wind conditions exist and aid the spread. Of particular concern is the risk of fires moving into urban areas and posing threat to humans.
Increases in large fire activity are associated with some of the following climate-change related conditions:
- Rising Temperatures
- Reduced Winter Snowpack
- Earlier Snowmelt
- Reduced Summer Precipitation
- Increased Evaporation
- Drought-like conditions
The call for controlled burns
In recent years, increased advocacy for controlled burns, also called prescribed (Rx) burns, has come into play. This is the practice of professionally and intentionally setting a fire to alter the land, particularly dry vegetation, so that fires are less likely to spread. Materials burned generally include combustible ones that spread fire. Controlled burns focus on burning dead grass and trees, fallen tree branches, and thick undergrowth. The practice has some ecological benefits such as rejuvenating the soil by creating ash and opening space in a forest to allow for new plant growth. Controlled burns are scheduled when fires pose the least threat, with timing largely based on ecosystems, seasons, and weather. For instance, in the Upper Midwest, spring burns generally occur in March and April and fall burns in November. To be effective, they are conducted on a regular basis, generally once every two years.
Some benefits of controlled burns:
- Reduce Wildfire Risk
- Improve Habitats by Destroying Invasive Species/Plants
- Control Plant Diseases
- Restore Natural Ecosystems
- Activating Plant Species
Note that controlled burns can turn into wildfires by mistake, so the practice is not without risk. This is why controlled burns must be left to professionals.
Causes of wildfires – mankind largely to blame
Wildfires that occur in high-density forests are particularly harder to control. Per Accuweather, though wildfires are hard to stop, they are easier to prevent. National Park Service describes that most wildfires (a whopping 80 to 90%) are caused by humans. Thus, creating awareness and educating the public for the purpose of changing human behavior can significantly reduce wildfires.
Manmade causes of wildfires may include:
- Arson (intentional setting of fire)
- Misuse of fire by minors
- Campfires
- Debris/open burning
- Fireworks
- Cigarettes
- Railroad operations
- Equipment/vehicle use
- Sparking powerlines
Although less common, natural causes of wildfires may include:
- Random lightning strikes
- Volcanic eruptions
Wildfires are largely preventable
Most human-started wildfires are caused by error or careless behavior. People can help prevent wildfires by understanding the effects of human behavior when weather and drought conditions are present.
Folks can alter behavior by:
- Applying campfire safety rules
- Keeping vehicles off dry grass
- Maintaining equipment/vehicle properly
- Refraining from activities that can cause sparks
- Considering safer alternatives to fireworks
- Cautiously burning debris/Following local trash burning ordinances
- Not tossing cigarettes
Since time is of the essence, report unattended fires to the authorities immediately!
Establish a safety disaster plan well in advance
Wildfires are fast moving – so knowing how and when to evacuate is key. Pay attention to news and warnings, listen to the authorities, create an exit plan, know your emergency routes and where you’re headed, have a plan for your pets, keep a to-go bag ready with your medications and vital documents – and do NOT delay your departure in a wildfire emergency.