Fire
Learn about prescribed fire, fire prevention, wildland fire, fire science, and more with a variety of Natural Inquirer resources. Browse resources by topic, grade band, and resource type.
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The northern spotted owl is an endangered species that needs old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest to live. Unfortunately, old-growth…The northern spotted owl is an endangered species that needs old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest to live. Unfortunately, old-growth forests, like all forests, may catch fire and be damaged... -
Prairies are grasslands that are often used as forage for cattle. When a wildfire burns across a prairie, the grass…Prairies are grasslands that are often used as forage for cattle. When a wildfire burns across a prairie, the grass is killed immediately and there is no forage for cattle.... -
The California gnatcatcher is a little bird with a big problem. Its habitat has been reduced 80 percent by people…The California gnatcatcher is a little bird with a big problem. Its habitat has been reduced 80 percent by people that are building homes and businesses in coastal southern California.... -
Smoke from wildland fires contains hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals can be gases, liquids, or solid forms. The effects of…Smoke from wildland fires contains hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals can be gases, liquids, or solid forms. The effects of breathing wildland fire smoke include eye and throat irritation, shortness... -
Although scientists know that many weeks of low rainfall increase the chances of wildfires, they do not know which daily…Although scientists know that many weeks of low rainfall increase the chances of wildfires, they do not know which daily weather conditions are the best for determining the danger of... -
When lightning or other forms of ignition start a fire in a forest, there is a chance of a wildfire. Wildfires may be started…When lightning or other forms of ignition start a fire in a forest, there is a chance of a wildfire. Wildfires may be started by a natural cause, such as lightning, or they may be started... -
Some kinds of forest fires can be beneficial to the natural environment and to people. Fire is a normal event…Some kinds of forest fires can be beneficial to the natural environment and to people. Fire is a normal event in the natural environment. Forest fires also have some disadvantages.... -
In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are…In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are now mixed with conifer trees. Each year, fewer aspen-dominated stands... -
In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are…In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are now mixed with conifer trees. Each year, fewer aspen-dominated stands... -
Wildland fires occur both purposefully and by accident. Purposeful fires include fires set by individuals to remove fallen leaves or…Wildland fires occur both purposefully and by accident. Purposeful fires include fires set by individuals to remove fallen leaves or other debris. Often, foresters set small, controlled fires on purpose,...
