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Earth Science for Kids

Forest Fires

Forest fires are large uncontrolled fires that take place in the forest. Some of the fiercest fires occur in the forest because there is so much fuel (trees) to burn. Forest fires are a type of wildfire. Other types of wildfires include grass fires, brush fires, and hill fires.

Major Causes of Forest Fires

The major cause of forest fires in the United States is human activities. This can be carelessness such as not putting out a campfire or dropping a lit cigarette. It may also be arson, which is setting a fire on purpose and is against the law. Around 80% of forest fires in the United States are caused by humans.

Most fires that are started by natural causes are started by lightning. Other natural causes include volcanic eruptions and sparks from falling rocks.

How do forest fires spread?

There are many factors that contribute to how a forest fire will spread and how intense the fire will be. They include:
How do firefighters put them out?

Forest fires can be extremely difficult to put out or control. Forest fires can be enormous in size and may quickly change directions. They can move over 6 miles per hour and can jump over natural gaps such as rivers and roads. That being said, modern firefighters are well trained and know how to control forest fires.

Two of the main techniques used in controlling forest fires are the firebreak and the air drop. Are some forest fires good?

Yes, some forest fires are helpful to the forest. They can clean out debris that has accumulated below the trees. By burning debris, fires help to enrich the soil and make room for new trees to grow.

Campfire Safety

Whenever you go camping you should be very careful when building and extinguishing your campfire. To keep safe you need to build your campfire in a safe location, you should have a proper campfire pit, and you should make sure that the fire is completely put out. You can learn more about this on Smokey Bear's website at http://www.smokeybear.com/campfire-safety.asp.

Interesting Facts about Forest Fires
Activities

Earth Science Subjects

Geology
Composition of the Earth
Rocks
Minerals
Plate Tectonics
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Fossils
Glaciers
Soil Science
Mountains
Topography
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The Water Cycle
Geology Glossary and Terms

Nutrient Cycles
Food Chain and Web
Carbon Cycle
Oxygen Cycle
Water Cycle
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Atmosphere and Weather
Atmosphere
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Wind
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Weather Forecasting
Seasons
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World Biomes
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Grasslands
Savanna
Tundra
Tropical Rainforest
Temperate Forest
Taiga Forest
Marine
Freshwater
Coral Reef
Environmental Issues
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Land Pollution
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Ozone Layer
Recycling
Global Warming

Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable Energy
Biomass Energy
Geothermal Energy
Hydropower
Solar Power
Wave and Tidal Energy
Wind Power

Other
Ocean Waves and Currents
Ocean Tides
Tsunamis
Ice Age
Forest Fires
Phases of the Moon


Science >> Earth Science for Kids


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