Why talk about wildfire?
More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or
near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners
enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire.
Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush,
trees, and homes.
What are wildfires, and what causes them?
There are three different classes of wildfires. A “surface fire” is the most
common type and burns along the floor of
a forest, moving slowly and killing or damaging
trees. A “ground fire” is usually started
by lightning and burns on or below the
forest floor in the human layer down to the
mineral soil. “Crown fires” spread rapidly by
wind and move quickly by jumping along the tops of trees.
Learn if you are at risk from wildfire by contacting your local fire
department, forestry service, or other emergency response agencies.
Awareness Information
More than four out of every five forest fires are started by people.
Negligent human behavior, such as smoking in forested areas or improperly
extinguishing campfires, is the cause of many forest fires. Another cause
of forest fires is lightning.
Plan for Wildfire
Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see the “Family Disaster Plan”
section for general family planning information. Develop a wildfire-specific
plan. Learn about your area’s wildfire risk. Contact your local fire
department, forestry service or other emergency response agencies for
Wildfire
Wildfires often begin unnoticed.
They spread quickly, igniting brush,
trees, and homes.