The response of the forest flora to this natural phenomena FOREST FIRES The response of the forest flora to this natural phenomena

What is a forest fire? Uncontrolled fire AKA wildfires

What causes a wildfire? The number one reason for wildfires in the U.S. is humans!! Arson Burning campfires cigarettes More than 80% of all wildfires are started by humans. 2. nature

How does nature cause wildfires? Lightening Sun (if intense enough and the conditions are dry enough)

What is needed for a wildfire to burn? Fire Triangle Fuel Flammable material surrounding a fire Trees, grasses, homes Oxygen Heat source Lightening Human caused

How are forest fires stopped? Water dousing Spraying fire retardants Clearing vegetation Starves a fire of fuel so it can be contained or slowed Starting fires WAIT........... WHAT????????

How could starting fires help to stop them? Controlled burning Removes undergrowth, brush and ground litter- all sources of fuel!!!!

Where do wildfires occur? Anywhere the conditions are right West- very common…….why? Heat Drought Frequent thunderstorms

Are wildfires always bad? NO!!!!!!! What do you think are some pros and cons to forest fires?

What are the cons of wildfires? Damaging to homes Harmful smoke

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/evacuees-flee-california-wildfire-grows-n222086

What are the benefits of wildfires? Cleaning the forest floor Providing habitat Killing disease New generations

1. Cleaning the forest floor Removes low growing underbrush Cleans forest floor of debris Nourishes the soil This reduces competition for established trees and allows them to grow stronger and healthier

2. Providing Habitat Clears heavy brush leaving room for new grasses and shrubs which provides food and shelter for many species. Increases water in streams……how? Fewer plants absorbing water

3. Killing Disease Destroys pests that cause disease in trees

4. New Generations Some seeds need heat to germinate Some have leaves that are covered with flammable resins to encourage fire

Pine Barrens Fire

Long Island Pine Barrens Fire started in August 1995 Lasted about one week Affected about 5,000 acres

Review Questions What is a forest fire? What causes a forest fire? How does nature cause wildfires? What is needed for a wildfire to burn? How are forest fires stopped? How could starting fires help to stop them? Where do wildfires occur? Are wildfires always bad?

Review Questions (continued) 9. What are some cons of forest fires? 10. What are the benefits of forest fires? 11. What are the effects of a forest fire? 12. Write what you know about forest fires. For example, you could write down how they start, the damage they cause; or research a forest fire on a search engine like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.