Forest fires present a risk to local habitats and human populations. Those working in forestry management understand the complexities of such natural disasters. It can be nearly impossible to manage if a blaze gets out of control.
Prevention is the best solution, but knowing where to focus your efforts can be difficult. These are the top causes of forest fires during summer.
Ongoing Droughts
Dry weather is one of the most significant factors leading to forest fires. Grass, trees, and other foliage die and quickly dry out, creating the conditions for ignition. Regions that see ongoing droughts must often invest heavily in fire prevention to ensure large blazes don’t occur.
Forestry management services often work to reduce the amount of burnable timber in drought-stricken areas. This approach involves thinning and pruning trees, using prescribed burning techniques, and allowing wildfires to burn where they don’t pose a risk to humans.
Lightning Strikes
The summer months can see severe weather events that pose additional risks for forest fires. Lightning strikes can occur anytime, making it difficult to manage when they start a fire. Lightning can spark dry brush, and the resulting fire can quickly grow out of control due to strong winds.
It doesn’t take much for a lightning strike to start a forest fire. It’s much more likely in dense, dry forests, but it can occur anywhere. Active management of forestry areas is the best solution for dealing with fires caused by lightning strikes.
Human Activities
By far, the most common cause of forest fires is human activity. Unattended campfires, cigarettes, and fireworks are some of the most common reasons for forest fires. Prescribed burns that get out of control and arson are also huge contributors.
Forest fires can impact the health and well-being of humans and animals alike. Forestry management workers must be equipped to deal with the hazards of forest fires at all times. A reliable pair of men’s or women’s flame-resistant clothing can make a considerable difference if you’re caught amidst a blaze.
Be Cautious of Sparks and Open Flames While in the Forest
While some forest fires can’t be avoided, the vast majority of them are entirely preventable. The warm weather poses additional fire-related hazards, making it especially important to be prepared.
Knowing the top causes of forest fires during summer will enable you to take preventative measures and proactively avoid unnecessary blazes.