this deals about forest fire their cycle requirements prescribed burning and its impact and significance

1. UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DIVISION- BIOSCIENCES
Masters Of Science (M.Sc. Botany)
Subject Name-Forest Biology
Subject Code-24SBT-625
Topic- Forest Fire
Submitted To- Dr. Sushma
Submitted By- Smriti Thakur
UID- 24MSB10009

2. INTRODUCTION: FOREST FIRE
Forest fire may be defined as an unclosed and freely spreading combustion that
consumes the natural fuels.
Combustion is another word for fire.
When a fire burns out of control it is known as Wild Fire.
Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are uncontrolled fires that spread across forest
areas, threatening natural ecosystems, wildlife, and human infrastructure. The most
common hazard in forests is forests fire. They pose a threat not only to the forest
wealth but also to the entire regime to flora and fauna seriously disturbing the bio-
diversity and the ecology and environment of a region.
During summer, when there is no rain for months, the forests become littered with
dry senescent leaves and twinges, which could burst into flames ignited by the
slightest spark.
Forest fire causes imbalances in nature and endangers biodiversity by reducing
fauna land floral wealth. Traditional methods of fire prevention are not proving
effective and it is now essential to raise public awareness on the matter, particularly
among those people who live close to or in forested areas. Fires start when a heat
source (like a spark or flame) ignites flammable material (trees, plants, dry grass). If
the fire gets enough oxygen, it can quickly spread.
Understanding forest fires is crucial for prevention, mitigation, and recovery. It helps
protect human life, property, and the environment.

3. FIRE TRIANGLE ELEMENTS
 The three elements of the fire triangle are:
1. Oxygen
2. Heat
3. Fuel
 Every fire triangle element is required for a flame to start and continue burning.
 OXYGEN: Fires need oxygen to burn. Typically, this oxygen comes from the air, about 21%
oxygen. During combustion, the oxygen reacts with the fuel, producing heat, light, and new
products like water vapor and carbon dioxide. This is a continuous process where oxygen feeds
the fire, producing heat that releases more fuel vapor to react with the available oxygen.
 HEAT: Heat provides the necessary energy to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point
where combustion can occur. This point is known as the ignition temperature or flash point.
Heat can come from various sources like an open flame, a hot surface, an electrical spark, or
friction. It is essential to maintain this heat for the fire to continue. The fire can be
extinguished if the heat is reduced below the ignition temperature.
 FUEL: Fires need oxygen to burn. Typically, this oxygen comes from the air, about 21% oxygen.
During combustion, the oxygen reacts with the fuel, producing heat, light, and new products
like water vapor and carbon dioxide. This is a continuous process where oxygen feeds the fire,
producing heat that releases more fuel vapor to react with the available oxygen.

4. CAUSES OF FOREST FIRE
Natural Causes:
• Lightning: A major natural cause; when a bolt of lightning strikes dry vegetation, it
can ignite a fire.
• Volcanic Activity: Lava from volcanic eruptions can ignite nearby forested areas.
• Spontaneous Combustion: In rare cases, organic materials (like hay) can generate
enough heat from bacterial activity to catch fire without an external spark.
Human Causes:
• Arson: Deliberate setting of fires is a significant issue, often due to malicious
intent or criminal behavior.
• Unattended Campfires: Fires left burning without being extinguished can spread
quickly in dry forested areas.
• Cigarettes: A discarded cigarette can easily start a fire if dropped in dry
vegetation.
• Agricultural Burning: In some areas, forests are intentionally set on fire to clear
land for farming or grazing, but this can sometimes get out of control.

5. TYPES OF FOREST FIRES
 SURFACE FIRES: Surface fires burn the vegetation on the forest
floor, such as grass, leaves, dead wood, and shrubs. These fires are
usually low in intensity and spread along the ground.
 GROUND FIRES: Ground fires burn beneath the surface layer of
the soil, in the organic matter like peat, roots, and soil layers that
have built up over time. These fires can smolder for long periods
and are difficult to detect or extinguish.
 CROWN FIRES: Crown fires occur when the fire spreads from the
forest floor to the upper branches (canopy) of trees, often in the
forest’s crowns. These fires are highly intense and fast-moving,
burning the trees in their entirety.

6. FIRESTORMS
A firestorm is a conflagration which attains such intensity that it
creates and sustains its own wind system. It is most commonly a
natural phenomenon, created during some of the largest bushfires and
wildfires.
Although the term has been used to describe certain large fires, the
phenomenon's determining characteristic is a fire with its own storm-
force winds from every point of the compass.
The Black Saturday bushfires and the Great Peshtigo Fire are possible
examples of forest fires with some portion of combustion due to a
firestorm, as is the Great Hinckley Fire.
Firestorms have also occurred in cities, usually due to targeted
explosives, such as in the aerial fir-bombings of Hamburg, Dresden,
and Tokyo, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

7. EFFECT OF FOREST FIRE
1. Destruction of Vegetation
•Forest fires can completely destroy trees, shrubs, and plants, valuable timber including species that are vital for the ecosystem.
This leads to long-term loss of plant biodiversity and disruption of local ecosystems.
2. Loss of Biodiversity
•Forest fires can severely impact animal species that rely on forests for shelter and food. Many species may perish, and others
might be forced to migrate, resulting in a loss of biodiversity in affected regions.
3. Soil Erosion
•The loss of vegetation due to fire weakens the soil structure, making it more prone to erosion. This can lead to increased runoff,
which may cause landslides or further degradation of the land.
4. Air Pollution
•Fires release large amounts of smoke, particulate matter, and toxic gases (like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides) into the
atmosphere. This can significantly degrade air quality, causing health problems for humans and animals, especially those with
respiratory issues.
5. Release of Greenhouse Gases
•Forest fires release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases stored in trees and vegetation. This contributes to global
warming and accelerates climate change, as forests act as carbon sinks that help mitigate CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
6. Water Quality Deterioration
•The ash and debris from forest fires can pollute nearby water sources, making them unsafe for drinking and aquatic life. The loss
of vegetation also reduces the natural filtration system that helps maintain clean water.
7. Impact on Human Health
•Forest fire smoke can travel for miles, affecting people in nearby and even distant regions. The fine particulate matter in the
smoke can aggravate respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis, and contribute to cardiovascular problems.
8. Economic Loss
•Forest fires cause significant economic damage by destroying timber, agricultural land, and property. In addition, they can disrupt
industries like tourism, agriculture, and real estate, leading to long-term economic challenges for local communities.

8. FIRE PREVENTION AND
CONTROL
Public Education: Raise awareness about fire safety and responsible behavior.
Fire Bans & Regulations: Implement fire bans during high-risk seasons to prevent
accidental fires.
Vegetation Management: Clear dry vegetation to reduce fuel for fires.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Use fire-resistant plants and create defensible spaces around
properties.
Building Codes: Enforce fire-resistant construction standards in fire-prone areas.
Fire Control Firebreaks: Create cleared areas to stop fire spread.
Backburning: Set controlled fires ahead of a wildfire to consume fuel.
Aerial Support: Use planes and helicopters to drop water or fire retardants.
Ground Efforts: Firefighters use hoses and equipment to control flames.
Satellite & Drones: Use technology for early fire detection and monitoring.

9. THE FOREST SERVICE USES PRESCRIBED
FIRE TO MANAGE FORESTS
A prescribed fire is a managed, intentional fire set by humans for a specific
purpose.
A prescribed fire is usually controlled and contained within a specific area.
A properly controlled prescribed.
SOME OF BENEFITS ARE:
1. Reducing the hazard of wildfire by removing fuel from the forest floor. A wildfire is a fire
that endangers people or property, which is not within an area designated to be managed by
the use of fire, or that, in conjunction with weather or other conditions, may threaten to
expand, thus endangering people, property, or non fire-management areas. fire produces
several benefits for the forest, wildlife, and people.
2. Preparing sites for seedlings and planting. A prescribed burn can remove other plants that
will act as competition for nutrients and water to the new trees.
3. Removing undesirable trees and brush cluttering the forest understory.
4. Assist in controlling forest diseases.
5. Improves the quality of grass for grazing by removing brush and dried weeds.

10. PROCESS OF PRESCRIBED FIRE

11. CONCLUSION
Forest fires are a complex and natural phenomenon that play a role in many ecosystems by helping to regenerate plant life
and maintain ecological balance.
However, the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, fueled by climate change, human activities, and poor forest
management, pose significant threats to the environment, biodiversity, human health, and economies. The destruction of vast
areas of forests leads to loss of habitat, soil degradation, and the release of carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming.
Preventing and controlling forest fires requires a multifaceted approach, including public education, strict fire regulations,
fire-resistant landscaping, and active forest management practices. Efforts such as controlled burns, the creation of firebreaks,
and using technology for early detection are vital in containing fires before they escalate. Additionally, improving firefighting
techniques and ensuring better preparedness for communities in high-risk areas are crucial in minimizing the impact of fires.
Furthermore, climate change mitigation and global collaboration on fire management are essential to reduce the long-term
risks. The need for sustainable practices in land use, reforestation efforts, and conservation of forest ecosystems must be
prioritized to create a more resilient environment.
In conclusion, while forest fires cannot be entirely prevented, proactive measures can reduce their devastating effects. By
combining prevention, effective control, and responsible forest management, we can safeguard forests, protect lives, and
contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

12. REFERENCES

Anuprash (28 January 2022). "What Causes Wildfires? Understand The Science Here“.

BBC(2020 Australia fires: What’s being done to fight the flames? https://www.bbc.com/news/world-
australia-51008051.

Bowman, DM.J.S., Balch, J.K., Artaxo, P., Bond, W.J., Carlson, J.M., Cochrane, M.A., D’Antonio,C.M.,De
Fries, R.S. et al. (2009), Fire in the earth system. Science, 324, 481–484.

Fire and Rescue Services – Wildfire Operational Guidance 2013.

Forest Fires – Sparking Fire Smart policies in the EU.

Forest Survey of India (2019) “Identification of fire prone forest areas based on Gis analysis of archived
forest fire points detected In the last thirteen years”, Technical Series- Volume 1 Ministry of Environment,
Forest & Climate Change. Accessed at https://www.fsi.nic.in/technical information-series Change,

Guha, Ramachandra. “Forestry in British and post-British India: A historical analysis.” Economic and
Political Weekly (1983): 1882-1896.
https://www.aerialfiremag.com/drone-seeding-assisting-bushfire-recovery-in-australia/
https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/readiness/stories/ca.htm

13. THANK YOU