From Guest Blogger "Elite Fire Protection" — The Effects of Fire on the Environment

Fire is a regular, but often tragic, occurrence. Whether started in a family home, a commercial environment or outside, both accidental and deliberate fires can be potentially devastating. One of the most destructive types of fire, though, is forest fires and these can wipe out entire communities and their homes, habitats, wildlife groups and timber and, as a result, are one of the main causes of deforestation.

Some experts suggest, however, that periodic forest fires can be beneficial, serving as an instrument of renewal and change. So what are the effects on the environment and what are the causes and consequences of forest fires?

Common causes of forest fires

Forest fires can be started naturally, and the four most common causes of natural wildfire ignition are lightning, volcanic eruption, sparks from rockfalls and spontaneous combustion. Coal seam fires and coal sustained fires can also flare up and ignite nearby flammable material.

However, many wildfires are attributed to human sources, including cases of deliberate arson attacks, discarded cigarettes, discarded glass which magnifies the sun and sparks from nearby equipment and power line arcs. Which is why we should teach children from an early age.

Consequences and effects of forest fires

Large forest fires can have both positive and negative effects on the environments in which they occur. One of the main benefits they offer is that they essentially ‘clean up’ the forest, getting rid of dead and decaying matter and also eradicating diseased plants and harmful insects. Additionally, low intensity fires can speed up the process of returning nutrients to the soil and can also induce germination, aiding the growth and reproduction of several types of plants.

However, there are also many negatives to forest fires, especially those which are started by human sources. They can cause complete deforestation, destroying all surrounding wildlife and habitats and affecting the population and distribution of certain species. They can also cause extensive damage to homes and commercial buildings in the area, devastating families and having a detrimental effect on local commerce. Additionally, the threat of wildfire can result in costly evacuations and, in the worst cases, can even result in human death.

Forest fires also cause an increase in the release of greenhouse gases (specifically carbon dioxide), which escalates the problems of pollution and global warming. They also create heavy smog which is harmful to both human and animal life.

The aftermath of forest fires can also be felt through the local communities. They may struggle with necessary water preservations, as the area attempts to make up for the huge amount of water used in tackling the fire. Additionally, damage to the soil and leafage can make the area less able to absorb rainfall, resulting in the disruption and imbalance of water distribution which can cause flooding.

Prevention of forest fires

Although a rare occurrence in the United Kingdom, local agencies and fire departments in particularly hot and dry countries (such as Australia) constantly work to prevent large, man-made fires. They do this through educating communities about fire safety and ensuring people are aware of the dangers of leaving camp fires unattended and discarding cigarettes and matches. They also work to supervise the burning of necessary natural fires, making sure they maintain their role in ecology.

Author Bio

Established in 1999, Elite Fire Protection have over a decade’s worth of experience and have earned a place as specialists within the fire safety industry