Fire is the heat and light that comes from burning substances. It is the visual indicator of the chemical process called combustion where some sort of fuel is combined with heat and oxygen to produce fire. These three ingredients; fuel, heat, and oxygen make up what is called the fire triangle, the necessary components of fire. Fire cannot exist without all three of these components.
Fire is a natural force that has helped shape forest eco-systems over the millennia. In pre-history, lightning fires and then later native American fires helped maintain open forests and grasslands. Application of fire reduces fuel buildup on the forest floor helping prevent susceptibility to insect infestations and disease outbreaks. In addition fire serves to help recycle nutrients into the soil which creates a fertile environment for seeds. The end result of fire's impact is enhanced wildlife habitat, improved access, and improved appearance.
But active policies of fire suppression through the 20th century caused forests to become dense and overgrown and susceptible to large conflagrations when fire inevitably did strike. In addition, forest were increasingly abutting urban areas increasing the threat posed by wildfires. Fire suppression under these conditions became riskier and much more expensive. At the turn of the century large blazes regularly made headlines.
While fire does benefit the forest it does pose a threat when it interacts with human civilization. Fire can threaten resources, property, and lives. In order to combat the threats fire poses to humans, the government conducts a program of wildfire management.
Learn more about Fire in our Eco-Link "Fire Ecology" -- or the Video "Two Sides of Fire"
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