Fire Links
Fire occurred in nature long before humans knew how to make and use it. Certain ecosystems have coexisted with fire for so long that periodic blazes have become necessary to the natural cycle of life. Fires release nutrients from dead plants into the soil, wipe out invading species not adapted to fire, and encourage new growth. In fact, since 1963, the U.S. Forest Service has set "prescribed" fires to aid in this process and often lets natural fires burn, as long as they don't threaten life and property. However, when fires burn out of control or are set without regard to ecology, they can be disastrous. You can read about this topic in Planet Diary.
Try this Planet Diary Fire Activity:
- How Wildfires Affect an Ecosystem
Learn how fire impacts plants and affects an animal's habitat and food supply. You will also find out that fire can sometimes bring benefits to some species.
U.S. Fire Administration
This government site is an excellent starting point for fire statistics and safety information.
Smokey Bear's Site
Smokey has lots of tips for you on fire safety.
Global Fire Updates
Track current fires around the world.
Wildland Fire Assessment System
Get up-to-date information collected from more than 1,000 fire danger weather stations. This site includes U.S. precipitation, humidity, and greenness data for the last 24 hours!
Woods on Fire?
The Why Files answers your burning questions about forest fire, including information on the 1988 Yosemite Fire, current opinions about wildfires, how fires are monitored by satellites, and a fire glossary.
Fire Effects Information System
Curious about how fire affects your favorite plant or animal? Go to this site from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and find out.
Federal Wildland Fire Policy
While fires started by careless people can be horrible, opinion on wildfires has changed since Smokey Bear was around! The Role of Wildland Fire in Resource Management is of special interest.
Some Thunderstorms Spark Fires
How can lightning cause fires? Isn't it always accompanied by rain? This article from USA Today explains why this isn't always the case.
Wildfire
The American Red Cross wants to prevent emergencies, not just respond to them—learn how to be prepared in the event of a wildfire.
River Rage in Smokey Valley
Have fun with this interactive fire safety activity from Smokey Bear.
