What is a wild fire?
A wild fire, bush fire or forest fire is an uncontrolled fire in a wild habitat.
When a heat wave or drought dries out the plants in an area, a fire can start and spread quickly. Fires can be accidental or they can be caused by arson or even lightning strikes.
Because fires can be very destructive, fire-fighters have developed lots of strategies for extinguishing or controlling wild fire. However, fire can also play an important role in the life cycle of plants and habitats.
Where do wild fires take place?
Wild fires take place all over the world. Major fires happen every few years in the forests of the United States and Indonesia, and in the bush in Australia.
When do they happen?
Forest fires happen mainly in the summer and autumn. They are particularly destructive when there is a drought because branches and twigs die and dry out, creating plenty of fuel for the fire.
How do forest fires spread so quickly?
Wind is a major factor. Some fires spread along the dead leaves and branches at the bottom of trees. Some fires spread when the leafy canopy catches fire. Also, burning leaves and branches can get blown ahead of the main fire causing smaller fires to start.
How can you control a fire?
Planes and helicopters drop water and chemical fire retardant. Fire-fighters create a control line – an area where they remove all the fuel so that the fire can’t travel across it. This can be a barrier like a river or road. They then cut down dead trees to stop them falling across the fire line. Drip torches are used to burn the plants between the control line and the fire to remove the fuel.