Wildfires are mother-nature’s cleaners. They blaze through forests, clearing trees and underbrush naturally. Unfortunately, because they rage out of control, they also clear houses and endanger humans. Researchers have attempted to discover the facts behind wildfires, including what they are, how they start, and the aftereffects of the flame.
According to Wikipedia.com, wildfires are fires which rage through the wilderness or countryside. Wildfires are unique in the way they spread sporadically, their speed in spreading, their erratic fire path, and their ability to jump gaps, such as roads and creeks. These sometimes deadly fires are characterized by their speed, the combustible materials present, the effect of weather on the fire, and the cause of ignition (Wikipedia.com).
Four causes of ignition are lightning, spontaneous combustion, volcanic eruption, and sparks from rockfalls. Sadly, however, in recent centuries humans have contributed greatly to wildfires. Cigarettes, arson, power lines, and logging have been attributed to starting wildfires.
Whether a wildfire is caused by human error or natural effects, they tend to spread erratically and quickly. Once the fire starts and rages out of control, it can spread at great speed, changing its path without warning. The fire can also jump creek beds, roads, and other barriers which could slow smaller flames. Wind and even rain can direct a fire’s path. This is one reason wildfires are very difficult to contain once they rage out of control. Their source of combustible materials is another factor in control. For example, when a logging team starts a fire to clear land for reuse, this fire can easily become a wildfire because there is a wealth of dry forest and underbrush to spawn a tragedy. Hopefully, people have warning of wildfires and have ample opportunity to escape with their lives to give firefighters an opportunity to control the fires.
Once wildfires are under control, the aftereffects could be positive. Despite the devastation of lost homes, the forest floor does benefit from the aftereffects of the wildfire. According to wiki.answers.com, the aftereffect of a wildfire left to nature is the rebirth of ecosystems. In grasslands, plants regrow quickly, but in deciduous forests, fallen, burned trees tend to attract wood eating bugs, which attract birds. The birds help decompose the wood through digging for the insects, therefore aiding decomposition and regeneration of new undergrowth. Eventually, seeds from unharmed trees blow into the area and revive the forest with new trees.
Unfortunately, wildfires do harm humans. However, if there were no human casualties and personal losses, wildfires would be considered a natural and friendly ecological advancement. Their causes, when natural, and their aftereffects, when allowed to transgress on their own, help cleanse and rebuild. Their effects, when caused by human error or disregard, are devastating and tragic. Perhaps if there were a habitat humans had not claimed, wildfires could be appreciated in their glory. However, because humans are adaptable to every habitat, wildfires will always be tragic and a danger we are forced to understand.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfire
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_aftereffects_of_a_wildfire
