[Wonders G2] Forest Fires - Hoyoung

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Forest Fires

Forest fires are wild fires in wooded areas. Active, or lively, forest fires move fast. They can destroy thousands of acres.

What Causes Forest Fires?

Fires need fuel, oxygen, and heat. In a forest, the trees are the fuel. Oxygen is in the air. All that’s missing is the heat. Lightning can strike a tree in the forest. As a result, a forest fire starts. Half of all forest fires are caused by lightning. People cause the other half.

Effects of Forest Fires

Forest fires have negative effects. Raging fires can destroy anything solid, or firm, in their path. Forest fires create smog. They harm animals.

Forest fires also have positive effects. They get rid of diseased plants. They kill harmful insects. Fires can destroy tall trees. This lets more sunlight reach the forest floor. Different seeds are able to grow.