1. Forest Fires & Their Role in the Earth System

2. What is Fire?

3. Components of Fire Must have all 3 for a fire to occur
Fuel- material being burned
Oxygen- needed for chemical reaction
Heat- ignites the fuel with the oxygen

4. Causes of Forest Fires Lightning Human carelessness
Volcano eruptions and heat waves
Droughts and cyclical climate changes
Commonly occur during years of drought and on days of strong winds

5. Increased chance of forest fire in areas that…
Have a really wet season (lots of plants grow) followed by a very dry season (greenery dries out).
Have not had a recent forest fire and therefore have a lot of overgrowth.

6. Forest Fire Fuels

9. Benefits of Forest Fires
Forest fires are a natural part of Earth’s system
Fires allow for regeneration
Fires are necessary for biological diversity and healthy ecosystems

10. Removes dead, weakened trees, and plants
Creates a more open forest floor which allows sunlight in for more growth
Ash left behind puts nutrients into the soil
Kills off invasive species allowing native species to regain territory

11. Disadvantages of Forest Fires
Loss of habitat for animals
Increase particles in the air can affect health of people
Soil damage which can result in erosion
Uncontrolled burns can result in millions of dollars worth of property damage to homes or timber

12. Yellowstone Fires of 1988