How to save our forest from a forest fire?

Forest fires are a significant global issue that is frequently reported on news channels. However, it is important to understand the severity of this problem and the measures that can be taken to prevent such fires.

Typically, there are three essential elements required for the formation of any fire:

• Oxygen

• Heat

• Fuel

These elements collectively form what is known as the fire triangle.

In forest areas, these elements are abundantly available. The trees themselves act as fuel, while the surrounding air contains oxygen. Additionally, the heat necessary for ignition can be derived from the sun or even lightning.

Forest fires pose a significant problem for all nations due to their impact on wildlife ecosystems. During such fires, the animals inhabiting the forests are forced to fight for survival, often resulting in their demise.

Causes :

Forest fires can occur naturally or due to human error.

Natural causes :

Let us now explore the natural causes of forest fires. When a tree within a forest dies, it becomes susceptible to drying out, primarily due to the surrounding temperature. As the wind blows, these dried trees rub against each other, generating friction and subsequently heat. This heat serves as one of the primary catalysts for forest fires. Furthermore, fires can also be ignited by the intense heat of the sun or by lightning strikes during the rainy season. In some cases, volcanic eruptions can also lead to forest fires, as the lava expelled from the volcano engulfs the surrounding vegetation. It is crucial to acknowledge that humans are responsible for a significant portion of forest fires. In fact, approximately 90% of these fires are caused by human activities.

Human causes :

In most instances, we embark on a journey to our woodland area where we engage in the activity of building a campfire. Unfortunately, it is often the case that we neglect to properly extinguish the fire, which serves as the primary cause of forest fires.

Additionally, individuals residing in close proximity to the forest contribute to the problem by allowing the fire to spread when burning their waste materials. This practice frequently results in the ignition of aged trees, further exacerbating the occurrence of forest fires.

Typically, forest fires prove to be challenging to control and suppress; however, there exist several methods for managing such incidents. Chemical retardants are commonly employed to control forest fires, particularly in critical situations.

In some cases, the technique of cloud seeding is utilized to artificially induce rainfall, although this method is costly. Another approach involves the selective removal of certain trees to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas.

By eliminating a fuel source within the fire triangle, the fire can be extinguished.

What can we do?

Consequently, it is important to consider what actions can be taken to prevent forest fires. While it is not possible to halt natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions or the spontaneous ignition of aged trees, we can address the causes that are within our control. This includes properly extinguishing campfires and refraining from burning waste materials near forested areas.

Lastly, planting trees emerges as the most effective solution to combat forest fires. This is due to the fact that during a forest fire, trees burn and release carbon, which subsequently converts into carbon dioxide, polluting the atmosphere. The increased carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere contributes to global warming, leading to the melting of glaciers.

By planting more trees, we can restore balance to the carbon cycle and mitigate the emissions of carbon monoxide from vehicles. It is crucial to recognize that the Earth is not solely for the benefit of humans but for all organisms. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize tree-planting efforts in order to safeguard our planet.