These Common Causes of Forest Fires May Surprise You

Forest fires leave devastation in their paths, scorching millions of acres of land and taking the lives of humans and animals. Many people believe that forest fires are the result of natural events such as lighting or droughts. However, the most common causes of forest fires may surprise you. In reality, most forest fires are caused by humans. In fact, a whopping 85 percent of forest fires in the U.S. are caused by humans, making them largely preventable. To learn about some of the most common human causes of forest fires that may surprise you, continue reading.

Poorly attended campfires and debris burning cause most forest fires

Campfires and debris burning are easily the most common causes of forest fires. In most cases of campfires that result in forest fires, the people who started them were either underprepared or careless. Often, the campfire either grows out of control and the people who started it don’t have the means to put it out or the fire is abandoned before being properly extinguished. In both instances, the resulting forest fire was highly avoidable.

To prevent your next bonfire from turning into a blazing forest fire, there are several precautions you can take. For example, if you’re having a bonfire or burning debris at home, make sure that there is plenty of defensible space around the fire. Such space will prevent stray embers from catching on nearby trees and quickly spreading.

Other ways to prevent bonfires and debris fires from turning into forest fires include using a fire ring made out of stone or metal, keeping water ready to extinguish the fire, and keeping flammable materials away from the fire. In addition, ensure that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended. Unless the fire has stopped smoking and you can safely touch the coals with your hand, you shouldn’t leave it unattended.

Other common human causes of forest fires

In addition to careless campfires and debris burning, arson is another leading human cause of forest fires. According to National Geographic, arson causes roughly 21 percent of wildfires. Other common human causes of forest fires include equipment issues, discarded cigarettes, and other forms of carelessness.