Wildfires: More Interesting Facts and F.A.Q.
A large wildfire, or conflagration, is often capable of modifying the local weather conditions or producing “its own weather."
Lodgepole pines and their closely related jack pines have cones that release their seeds only when they are opened by fire.
Naturally occurring fires, as well as controlled burns, clear out underbrush and help prevent even greater wildfires.
Many animals in the food chain benefit when patches of forest are transformed by wildfires into clearings.
Forest fires move faster uphill than downhill! The steeper the slope, the faster the fire travels. If you live on a hill, you might want to leave your house if a wildfire is near.
Q. Why is wildfire smoke bad for me?
Smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles (particulate) released when things burn. In addition to burning your eyes, these fine particles and gases can be inhaled deep into your lungs. This makes it harder to breathe and may worsen other chronic health conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Fortunately, most people who are exposed to smoke will not have lasting health problems. How much and how long you are exposed to the smoke, as well as your age and health status, helps determine whether or not you will experience smoke-related problems. If you are experiencing serious medical problems for any reason, seek medical treatment immediately.
Q. What chemicals are in smoke from wildfires?
Wildfire smoke contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and toxic gas. Firefighters working near the fire are at greatest risk for high doses of carbon monoxide. Areas even a few hundred yards downwind of the fire where there are high particulate smoke levels typically don’t have high levels of carbon monoxide. Signs of high carbon monoxide levels in the blood include headaches, dizziness, nausea and decreased mental functioning. Wildfire smoke contains other chemicals,many of which cause irritation to eyes, noses and throats. Find more detailed information on chemicals found in smoke in this publication from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Q. What other natural disasters happen with wildfires?
The aftermath of a wildfire can be as disastrous, if not more so, than the fire. A particularly destructive fire burns away plants and trees that prevent erosion. If heavy rains occur after such a fire, landslides, ash floes, and flash floods can occur. This can result in property damage outside the immediate fire area, and can affect the water quality of streams, rivers and lakes.
Q. What can be done to reduce wildfires and/or damage?
Several methods, including so-called prescribed burning and thinning of trees, are being used in California and elsewhere to remove the buildup of vegetation that could become kindling for wildfires. Keeley says we can't prevent wildfires and so should instead "adapt our lifestyle to them." He added, "What these fires tell us is that we need to recognize on these landscapes we're never going to get rid of fire. We cannot eliminate these fires." He suggests urban planning can help to reduce the spread and damage caused by wildfires. For instance, some lawn vegetation such as palm trees and eucalyptus make for efficient wildfire fuel, as these plants hold on to their dead biomass longer than other plants. Other measures: Some major wildfires have been started by downed power lines. Keeley suggests burying the lines underground. He added that small roadside barriers could reduce the spread of wildfires, which often get their start along roadsides.
Q. At what temperatures do forest fires burn?
An average surface fire on the forest floor might have flames reaching 1 meter in height and can reach temperatures of 800°C (1,472° F) or more. Under extreme conditions a fire can give off 10,000 kilowatts or more per meter of fire front. This would mean flame heights of 50 meters or more and flame temperatures exceeding 1200°C (2,192° F).
