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A wildfire can be described as an uncontrolled fire spreading through wild lands. Such fires affect not only wildlife but also people’s lives and the economic component. In addition, it is one of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Forest fires can be caused by lightning or other natural causes, as well as by human activities, including the results of intentional arson. Natural causes cause only 4% of wild land fires worldwide, and the number of human-caused fires varies by region. For example, in Canada, most fires are caused by lightning, while in the US, 84% of forest fires are caused by human actions.
It is also important to note that in many regions, there are distinct wildfire seasons caused by rainy and dry periods and crop burning, which people use as one of the agricultural practices. There are also several regions with year-round fire danger. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to prevent forest fires with the help of smart satellite-based software.
Some plant species need forest fires to survive. Certain trees can only spread their seeds after their buds have warmed up and opened. The regular life cycle of these plants depends on forest fires; some need it once every few years, and some once a century.
This phenomenon also contributes to maintaining the health of ecosystems, as harmful insects and various pathogens are destroyed during fires. The fire also makes room for new grasses and shrubs, providing a habitat for animals and birds. A low flame intensity can also help release nutrients and allow deeper sunlight to penetrate, enable large trees growing and thriving.
However, climate change is making ecosystems more vulnerable to fire hazards. Rising temperatures cause increased drought and drying of plants, leading to larger fires. High temperatures also accelerate evaporation, and the moisture in the plants is drawn out, causing the fire to spread over large areas. In this regard, forest fire prevention and control seem to be of the utmost importance today.
Factors Leading to Forest Fires
Data from the National Park Service confirms that forest fires are most often caused by human activity. Before talking about forest service fire prevention signs, it is necessary to know about the three main elements of a fire’s origin: fuel, oxygen and heat. The human factor can lead to the emergence of various heat sources. Drought produces abundant fuel for fires. The wind fans the flames and spreads the coals, resulting in devastating fires.
Embers escaped from burning debris can travel long distances and often start forest fires. Burning dead vegetation is illegal in many regions, including several states in the US. However, for example, in California, it is allowed at certain times of the year, but for the safe implementation of this procedure, it’s crucial to monitor the weather conditions carefully.
Many may associate bonfires with romantic evenings and fond memories, but they are also one of the leading causes of wildfires. Fire safety rules must be observed to prevent forest fires.
Downed power lines are also one of the leading causes of wildfires. Sometimes even a branch that falls from a tree and hits a power line leads to a fire. In California, 10% of wildfires are caused by downed power lines.
Wildfires can also result from accidents and vehicle malfunctions. The vehicle contains numerous potential ignition sources. An outdated exhaust system or improperly lubricated bearings can cause sparks and fires later. In any case, it is vital to properly maintain the car to maintain your safety and forest fire prevention.
Tips to Avoid Wildfires
Do not build a fire in hot and dry weather. If the weather conditions are right, the fire should be lit away from flammable materials, remove grass and needles, do not leave the fire until it is entirely extinguished, and ensure that the place where it is made has cooled down before leaving it.
Vehicles should be kept away from dry grass, mainly if travelling off-road. Remember that the car must be serviced regularly.
Forest management also plays an essential role in forest fire preventions. It is a set of rigorous and proven methods, combined with technology, designed, among other things, to reduce the risk of large-scale fires. Knowing about the different types of forest fires is necessary to understand the management: crown, surface and ground fires. They get their names depending on how they are spread.
Forest management tools and tactics may differ depending on the conditions formed in different regions. The primary forest fire prevention methods include creating vast, open areas that can stop fire spread, called fire breaks, the reduction of vegetation that can serve as fuel, and controlling the burning of such plants. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain the health of trees and monitor potential infestations or diseases for effective forest and fire risk management.
The Effectiveness of EOSDA Forest Monitoring in Detecting and Preventing Forest Fires
EOS Data Analytics offers AI-powered satellite imagery analytics services worldwide, focusing on agriculture and forestry. Their precision forestry software, EOSDA Forest Monitoring, is a comprehensive digital platform that provides robust management features for forest owners, foresters, and managers.
This solution helps users to monitor the health of forestlands remotely and receive alerts in case of potential threats, such as extreme weather conditions, pests, and diseases that might affect the forest. It also enables tracking forestry activities, making detection and prevention of illegal logging easier.
EOSDA Forest Monitoring is an effective tool for monitoring forest fires. Its users can get alerts for abnormally high temperatures and track plant moisture content. It’s an efficient and reliable solution for anyone looking to manage their forest resources sustainably.
