Fires have always been a threat to our forests. Today, with climate change underway, the risk may be worsening a bit more. But the fire starts are not all natural ... far from it!Remember that for a fire to fire, it is essential to combine three ingredients: a fuel of course, an oxidizer and also an activation energy , a source of heat . In the case of forest fires , the vegetation is fuel, the air and the oxygen contained therein act as an oxidizer and the slightest spark can then be sufficient to provide sufficient activation energy.
When the temperature is high and the rain runs out, a large part of the water contained in the plant tissues that make up the forests evaporates. The leaves are then a fuel of choice, especially as they offer a large surface area of contact with the oxygen oxidizer. The slightest spark can then ignite twigs, then dry grass, bushes, trees and finally the entire forest.
Natural and anthropogenic causes of forest fires
Less than 10% of fire starts in the forest are of natural origin. It is usually lightning and dry storms that are responsible. In this case, not much to do to prevent fires, if not a regular brushing. Forest monitoring operations , particularly with watchtowers , can also limit the consequences of these fires.
Not less than half of the forest fires are due to carelessness: a cigarette butt off the ground, a poorly controlled barbecue, etc. This is why instructions on dangerous actions are regularly disseminated among the population, especially in regions at risk. Another cause of fire is accidentssuch as those that can occur around electrical transformers or burning cars .
Finally, the last cause, and not least, is that related to malicious acts. Nearly 40% of wildfires are intentionally lit by pyromaniacs.
Source: zone ecologia
