What is a Natural Fire?

A natural fire is a rapid, persistent chemical reaction that releases heat and light; especially the combination of any substance that's easy to burn with oxygen that releases heat.

How do Natural Fires start?

Most natural fires start when a lightening bolt strikes a tree trunk and knocks the tree down. The most common tree that is known to do this is the rough-barked evergreen. After the trunk falls to the ground, smoke rises from pine needles and the fire begins.

Where are Natural Fires found?

Natural fires are found in forest environments. Since these fires are found in the forest, many plants have adapted to survive them. These plants are called "fire species". A few examples of fire species, which are trees, are the Ponderosa Pine, White Pine, Lodge-pole Pine, Larch, and Douglas fir. These trees have very thick bark, which can withstand fire damage better than the bark of regular trees. Some fire species plants send up many sprouts after suffering fire damage. A couple examples of these plants are aspen, willow, and pine grass.

Why are Natural Fires so dangerous?

Natural fires are so dangerous because 3-5% of lightening fires burn out of control. They can cause colossal damage, engulfing up to 1000 acres in 30 minutes. Natural fires sometimes kill wildlife although many kinds of animals are able to sense fire and the direction that it's coming from.

How fast does a Natural Fire usually move?

During most of a fire's life it moves slowly. Rain, lack of winds, or lack of fuel may slow the fire down for several days. Usually, fire's slow down even more at night when winds die down.