Forest Fire - causes
Natural:
The following actions can ignite wildfires naturally (without the involvement of humans):
lightning
volcanic eruption
sparks from rock falls
spontaneous combustion
Human activity:
Sources of human-caused fire may include arson, accidental ignition, or the uncontrolled use of fire in land-clearing and agriculture such as the slash-and-burn farming in Southeast Asia.
In middle latitudes, the most common human causes of wildfires are equipment generating sparks (chainsaws, grinders, mowers, etc.), overhead power lines, and arson.[24][25][26][27][28][29] However, in the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season "an independent study found online bots and trolls exaggerating the role of arson in the fires."[30] In the 2023 Canadian wildfires false claims of arson gained traction on social media, however arson is generally not a main cause of wildfires in Canada.[31][32]
Coal seam fires burn in the thousands around the world, such as those in Burning Mountain, New South Wales; Centralia, Pennsylvania; and several coal-sustained fires in China. They can also flare up unexpectedly and ignite nearby flammable material.[33]
In middle latitudes, the most common human causes of wildfires are equipment generating sparks (chainsaws, grinders, mowers, etc.), overhead power lines, and arson.
Coal seam fires burn in the thousands around the world, such as those in Burning Mountain, New South Wales; Centralia, Pennsylvania; and several coal-sustained fires in China.
They can also flare up unexpectedly and ignite nearby flammable material.
Measures needed to Overcome Forest Fires
Fire could be prevented in the summer through the removal of forest litter all along the forest boundary.
The creation of a Forest line could prevent fire from breaking into the forest from one compartment to another.
The best way to control a forest fire is therefore, to prevent it from spreading, which can be done by creating firebreaks in the shape of small clearings of ditches in the forests.
Need to adopt safe practices in areas near forests viz. factories, coalmines, oil stores, chemical plants and even in household kitchens.
Monitor and Manage Forests: Monitoring forests and managing them appropriately can help prevent fires from starting or spreading.
Early Detection and Rapid Response: Early detection of a forest fire is critical for effective mitigation.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is using satellite imaging technology (like MODIS) to analyse forest fire affected areas and boost prevention.
Reducing the accumulation of dead trees, dry vegetation, and other combustible materials through activities such as thinning and selective logging.
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