Wildfires from A to Z: Classification, Causes, and Prevention Techniques

 

Wildfires are destructive and unpredictable, posing a significant threat to the environment, public safety, and property. In recent years, the world has witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. With climate change exacerbating this trend, it is crucial for governments, businesses, and individuals to understand the nature of wildfires and be prepared to respond effectively. Here we provide an overview of wildfires, their causes, and how various stakeholders can prepare for and respond to them.

 

Classification of Wildfires

By cause: Wildfires can be ignited by two primary sources – natural and human. Natural causes include lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions, and spontaneous combustion. Human-induced causes encompass a wide range of activities, such as arson, campfires, agricultural burning, power lines, equipment use, and other accidents.

By fuel type: Fuel type influences wildfire behavior, spread rate, and intensity. Fuel types include grass, brush, timber, and slash. Each fuel type burns differently, and their respective characteristics, such as moisture content, arrangement, and size, play a crucial role in fire progression.

By behavior: Wildfire behavior refers to the manner in which a fire interacts with its environment, and it can be categorized into three types:

1. Surface fires: These fires burn along the ground, consuming low-lying vegetation, grass, leaves, and fallen branches. 
2. Ground fires: Also known as subsurface fires, these fires occur below the surface, burning through organic material in the soil such as peat and decomposing plant matter. They typically spread slowly and can smolder for extended periods, making them difficult to detect and extinguish.
3. Crown fires: These fires spread rapidly through the canopy of trees, consuming leaves, needles, and branches. Crown fires are typically the most intense and dangerous type of wildfire, as they can cover vast areas quickly and are difficult to control. 

By intensity: Wildfire intensity refers to the amount of energy released by a fire and is influenced by factors such as fuel type, fuel moisture, weather conditions, and topography. The intensity of a wildfire can significantly impact its behavior, its spread rate, and the damage it causes. To better understand and manage wildfires, they can be classified into low, moderate, and high-intensity fires.

1. Low-intensity fires: These fires generally burn at a slower pace and produce relatively lower flame heights. While they can still cause damage, these fires are generally easier to control and manage. In some ecosystems, low-intensity fires play an essential role in maintaining the health of the environment by clearing out dead vegetation, recycling nutrients, and promoting new growth.
2. Moderate-intensity fires: These fires have a faster spread rate and higher flame heights compared to low-intensity fires. Moderate-intensity fires typically consume both surface fuels and some ladder fuels, such as shrubs and small trees. 
3. High-intensity fires: High-intensity fires are characterized by their rapid spread rate, towering flame heights, and the vast amount of energy they release. The extreme heat generated by high-intensity fires can cause significant damage to ecosystems, structures, and infrastructure.

 

How Wildfire Starts

As aforementioned, the most common causes of wildfires can be broadly categorized into two groups: natural and human.

 

Natural causes of wildfires

1.  Lightning strikes

It is estimated that lightning causes approximately 10-15% of wildfires in the United States each year. Lightning can trigger wildfires by igniting dry vegetation or trees that can catch fire and spread the flames. Lightning strikes are more common in areas with dry weather, which makes the vegetation more susceptible to catching fire.

2.  Volcanic eruptions

When a volcano erupts, it can create hot spots that ignite fires in nearby vegetation. Volcanic ash and debris can also contribute to the spread of the fire, as it can smolder for days or weeks after the initial eruption. Volcanic wildfires are especially dangerous due to the high heat and toxicity of the ash. Even though the percentage of wildfires caused by volcanic eruptions is relatively low, both in the United States and worldwide, it is still important for communities living near volcanoes to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions to prepare for potential disasters.

3.  Spontaneous combustion

Spontaneous combustion occurs when heat generated by decaying organic matter, such as sawdust, hay, or compost, causes a fire to ignite. This type of wildfire is more common in hot and dry environments where there is a lack of moisture. Spontaneous combustion can also occur in piles of leaves or grass, making it a risk during the dry season. 

 

Human causes of wildfires

1.  Arson

Arson is the act of intentionally setting fires, and it is one of the leading causes of wildfires worldwide. Arsonists may start fires for various reasons, including revenge, financial gain, and psychological disorders. Arson can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, damage to property, and destruction of ecosystems. 

2.  Campfires

Campfires are a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts, but they can also be a significant cause of wildfires if not properly managed. When campfires are not adequately contained, they can quickly get out of control and ignite nearby vegetation, leading to a wildfire. Causes of campfire-related wildfires include unattended fires, wind, improper containment, and the use of inappropriate materials, all of which can be prevented by proper fire safety measures.

3.  Smoking

Smoking can lead to wildfires when cigarette stubs are carelessly discarded and not properly extinguished. Once vegetation catches fire, a wildfire can quickly spread and become uncontrollable, leading to damage to property, loss of life, and destruction of ecosystems.

Smoking-related wildfires are a significant problem worldwide. In the United States alone, it is estimated that cigarettes are responsible for starting nearly 10% of all wildfires each year. 

4.  Fireworks

Fireworks can also lead to wildfires. Sparks from fireworks can land on dry vegetation and quickly ignite a fire. Fireworks should be used only in designated areas and should never be used near natural areas, forests, or other areas prone to wildfires.
 

How To Prepare for and Respond to a Wildfire

Wildfires pose a significant threat to communities and ecosystems, and it is essential to take steps to prevent and mitigate their impact. 

Wildfire prevention methods for individuals

1.  Create defensible space.
Creating defensible space around your home can help reduce the risk of a wildfire damaging or destroying your property. This may include clearing brush and debris from around your home, pruning trees, and keeping the roof and gutters clear of debris.

2.  Be prepared for evacuation.
In the event of a wildfire, it is important to have an evacuation plan in place. This may include identifying escape routes, preparing a “go bag” with important documents and supplies, and staying informed about the status of wildfires.

3.  Follow fire safety guidelines.
Individuals should follow fire safety guidelines provided by local authorities, such as avoiding outdoor burning during dry weather, properly disposing of cigarettes and other flammable materials, and using caution when using outdoor grills or fire pits.

4.  Report suspicious activity.
Individuals should be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity that could lead to a wildfire, such as unattended campfires or fireworks in areas prone to wildfires.

5.  Use fire-resistant landscaping.
Using fire-resistant plants and landscaping materials can help reduce the risk of a wildfire. This may include using plants with high moisture content, such as succulents and cacti, and using mulch made from non-combustible materials.

 

Wildfire prevention methods for businesses 

1.  Create a wildfire preparedness plan.
Businesses should create a wildfire preparedness plan that outlines procedures for responding to a wildfire. This may include identifying evacuation routes, preparing a “go bag” with important documents and supplies, and communicating with employees and customers about the status of wildfires.

2.  Maintain fire safety equipment.
Businesses should maintain fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent equipment malfunctions that could lead to a wildfire.

3.  Follow fire safety guidelines.
Businesses should follow fire safety guidelines provided by local authorities, such as avoiding outdoor burning during dry weather, properly disposing of cigarettes and other flammable materials, and using caution when using outdoor grills or fire pits.

4.  Manage vegetation.
Businesses should manage vegetation on their property to reduce the risk of a wildfire. This may include clearing brush and debris, pruning trees, and using fire-resistant landscaping materials.

5.  Educate employees.
Businesses should educate employees about wildfire prevention and response. This may include providing training on fire safety guidelines, conducting fire drills, and communicating about the status of wildfires in the area.

6.  Have a business continuity plan.
Businesses should have a business continuity plan in place in the event of a wildfire. This may include identifying alternative locations for operations, developing communication plans for employees and customers, and maintaining backups of important data and records.

 

Wildfire prevention methods for governments

1.  Education, regulation, and enforcement.

Preventing wildfires requires a combination of education, regulation, and enforcement. Governments can take steps to educate the public about the dangers of wildfires and how to prevent them. This may include providing information about fire safety guidelines, such as avoiding campfires during periods of high fire danger, properly disposing of cigarette stubs, and avoiding outdoor burning during dry weather.

Regulation can also play a role in wildfire prevention. Governments can enact and enforce regulations that prohibit outdoor burning during periods of high fire danger, limit the use of fireworks, and require property owners to maintain their property to reduce fire hazards. Enforcement is critical to ensuring that these regulations are followed and that individuals who violate them are held accountable.

2.  Creating adequate resources for firefighting.

When a wildfire does occur, it is essential to have an effective response to contain and extinguish it. Governments can prepare for wildfire fighting by ensuring that there are adequate firefighting resources available, such as trained personnel, equipment, and aircraft.

Governments can also establish effective communication and coordination systems between agencies involved in wildfire fighting, such as fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency management agencies. This will help ensure that resources are effectively deployed and that information is shared quickly and efficiently.

In addition, governments can take steps to prepare communities for the possibility of a wildfire. This may include creating evacuation plans, providing information about emergency shelters, and educating the public about how to protect themselves and their property during a wildfire.

3.  Research and development.

Governments can invest in research and development to better understand the causes and impacts of wildfires and to develop new technologies and strategies for preventing and fighting wildfires. This may include developing new firefighting equipment and techniques, investing in fire-resistant building materials, and studying the impacts of climate change on wildfire risk.

It is important to minimize the possibility of wildfires and to be prepared to act rationally in case a wildfire starts. But it is equally important to detect and combat fires in the “golden time” period. “Golden time,” or the amount of time between a fire ignition event and when it needs to be detected to prevent it from becoming a disaster, is usually a period of 10 to 20 essential minutes. ALCHERA has a world-class AI-based fire detection solution that is equally helpful for individuals, businesses, and governments.

 

FireScout - The Best Wildfire Prevention Technology on the Market

FireScout, developed by ALCHERA, is an advanced wildfire prevention technology that has a range of benefits for businesses, individuals, and governments. Here are some of the key advantages of FireScout:

Early detection
FireScout utilizes AI-based technology to detect fires at the earliest possible stage, providing stakeholders with timely alerts that can help prevent small fires from escalating into major disasters. This early detection can help reduce the risk of property damage, injury, and loss of life.

Fast response
FireScout is designed to provide rapid alerts to stakeholders in the event of a fire, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively to mitigate the impact of the fire. This fast response can help reduce the damage caused by the fire and minimize the disruption to businesses and communities.

High accuracy
FireScout uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze data from a video of sources to accurately detect fires. This high level of accuracy can help ensure that resources are deployed effectively and that stakeholders can respond with confidence.

Versatility
FireScout can be used in a range of settings, including rural areas, urban areas, and industrial sites. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for businesses, individuals, and governments who need to monitor a wide range of locations and respond to fires quickly and effectively.

Cost-Effective
FireScout is a cost-effective solution for fire detection, as it eliminates the need for expensive manual monitoring and can reduce the risk of property damage and other associated costs. Additionally, the fast response provided by FireScout can help minimize the cost of fire suppression and reduce the impact of fires on businesses and communities.

FireScout is a versatile fire detection and prevention solution that can be customized to fit properties of any size, making it as suitable for protecting homes as it is for monitoring large areas like national parks. Contact our specialists for a detailed consultation.