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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Smoke from wildland fires contains hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals can be gases, liquids, or solid forms. The effects of…Let’s Clear the Air: The Danger of Forest Fire Smoke to Firefighters (Spanish)
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…Dew It! Which Weather Measurements are Related to the Occurrence of Wildland Fire? (Spanish)
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…Liar, Liar, House on Fire! The Relationship Between Trees, Wildland Fire, and Damage to Homes (Spanish)
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…Smoke and Mirrors: Detecting the Amount of Gases in Wildland Fire Smoke (Spanish)
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…Quaking in their Roots: The Decline of the Quaking Aspen (Spanish)
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…Quaking in their Roots: The Decline of the Quaking Aspen
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…On Top of Old Smokey: Computer Wind Model for Predicting Smoke Movement (Spanish)
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,... -
Wildland fires occur both purposefully and by accident. Purposeful fires include fires set by individuals to remove fallen leaves or…On Top of Old Smokey: Computer Wind Model for Predicting Smoke Movement
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,... -
In 1974, Forest Service scientist Joseph V. Basile began work on a quaking aspen and elk study alongside other scientists.…Spotlight – Time Warp for On The Fence
In 1974, Forest Service scientist Joseph V. Basile began work on a quaking aspen and elk study alongside other scientists. Knowing that elk often eat quaking aspen, the scientist asked:... -
This fact sheet explains the fire triangle and three types of fire found in the forest: ground fire, surface fire,…Spotlight – Fuels and Fire Fact Sheet
This fact sheet explains the fire triangle and three types of fire found in the forest: ground fire, surface fire, and crown fire.
