What are forest fires and how do they occur

Forest fires are fires that occur in forests . This type of fire is especially virulent since there is a large amount of wood and leaves, the fire tends to spread quickly . In addition, because these are undeveloped areas, access for firefighters is more difficult than when fires take place in urban centers. To which must be added the fact that the forests do not have water intakes, which is why we are facing one of the most difficult fires to extinguish in every way.

On the other hand, it should also be mentioned that forest fires are by far the most damaging fires for the environment . This is because they lead to the destruction of large areas of high ecological value, such as forests. Forests are very complex ecosystems and, in many cases, they are protected environments due to their high biodiversity . In this way, forest fires destroy ecosystemsintegers in a matter of minutes. Also, one of the problems with these fires is that they take many years to clear up. Consider that, when a fire occurs in an urban area, damaged buildings can usually be repaired with the action of man. On the contrary, in the case of a forest fire, although reforestation work can be carried out , the effects will not be visible for several decades. When the planted trees have grown to adult trees.

There are various causes behind forest fires, both natural and man-made. In the case of natural causes , such as high temperatures or the action of lightning , these are unusual causes. In fact, the most common is that forest fires are carried out by the action of man . Whether it is an imprudence (making a bonfire or throwing a cigarette butt), or if it is a deliberate action (action of arsonists or economic interests behind the fire), we are facing a very dangerous situation that can end up completely destroying the environment. forest ecosystem.

One of the aspects that must be taken into account when fires occur is how dry the forest itself is. Because of this, most wildfires take place in the summer. At this time several factors come together. On the one hand, after spring, the scrub vegetation that has grown on the ground is abundant , which makes the fire can spread easily . On the other hand, the high temperatures and the dryness of the environment make this spring vegetation burn easily. In this way, most forest fires are located in the warm seasons. Especially during the hottest months in the summer.

There are a number of ways to prevent wildfires . First of all, it is essential that each person who goes to the forest is responsible and avoids potentially dangerous situations . In this sense, it is essential:

• Avoid making bonfires or barbecues in natural environments
• Avoid throwing out cigarette butts.
• Avoid throwing bottles or glasses that can make a magnifying glass effect in the woods.

On the other hand, it is also essential that forest maintenance teams carry out their work correctly. It is very important not only the surveillance of possible outbreaks of fires, but also the forestry prevention work . Indeed, abundant vegetation can facilitate the spread of forest fires. For this reason, it is very important that these teams carry out tasks to eliminate dry vegetation during the summer, freeing the soils of low scrub forests that catch on easily.

In addition, it is also essential that the institutions adopt forceful measures against forest fires. On the one hand, it is very important that laws are implemented to protect burned forests so that they cannot be reclassified as developable land after a fire. Likewise, it is also essential to carry out the corresponding investigations and pertinent sanctions against arsonists.

Finally, another of the fundamental aspects for the prevention of forest fires involves the awareness and education of the population . In this way, the whole of society will contribute to their protection, which will make it easier to avoid risk situations in most cases.

If you want to read more articles similar to What are forest fires and how do they occur , we recommend that you enter our category of Other environment .