We are in the midst of Forest Fire season which runs from through October. Although the risk wildfires is Virginia is, according to wildfiretoday.com, below normal to normal later in the season, there is no reason to not be diligent in protecting our forests and properties. Having knowledge of the causes is a good start to preventing fires.
Causes of Forest Fires
Wildfires can be ignited by a variety of occurrences. In addition to lightning, human-related activities start a large number of fires every year. Unattended or out-of-control campfires, a discarded burning cigarette, arson, or even equipment use can set off a blaze.
Once a forest fire has started, many factors contribute to its spread and intensity.
- Fuel - such as leaves, needles, grass, branches, and logs
- Weather, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind
- Topography, or landscape of the area, as steep slopes offer greater potential for increased fire intensity and more obstacles for fire fighting.
More than 83% of forest fires in 2006 were started by human activities, accounting for the burning of nearly 4.4 million acres. However, lightning-caused fires burned more total area - nearly 5.5 million acres. *
* Source: National Interagency Fire Center
https://www.arborday.org/replanting/firecauses.cfm
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