Wildfires: How They Start and How to Prepare

Wildfires are fires that burn out of control in natural areas such as forests, grasslands and prairies. They often start unnoticed, spread quickly, and can damage natural resources, destroy homes, and endanger the public and firefighters.

How they start

Most wildfires are caused by people, by accident or on purpose:

• campfires not properly tended;
• burning debris;
• carelessly discarded cigarettes;
• arson, fires set deliberately.

Nature starts some too, through lightning and lava.

What makes them worse

Wildfires are more common in dry conditions, and high winds help them spread faster.

Being ready

Nothing guarantees safety if a wildfire threatens where you live, but you can protect yourself. Have a disaster plan: preparing can reduce fear, anxiety and losses. If you live through a disaster, feeling stressed is normal, and you may need help finding ways to cope.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Wildfires," from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. https://medlineplus.gov/wildfires.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.