Wildfires - Ready.gov - A website created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help individuals, families, and businesses prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.
Wildland Fires - U.S. Forest Service - Offers information on wildfire prevention and management, as well as updates on current wildfire activity and management efforts.
Firewise USA - Provides information and resources to help communities reduce their risk of wildfire damage.
National Interagency Fire Center - Provides updates and information on current wildfire activity, fire maps, fire weather outlooks, coordination, and cooperation in wildland fire management.
What Is A Wildfire?
A wildfire, also known as a wildland fire, forest fire, or bushfire (depending on the region), is an uncontrolled fire that occurs in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can also occur in rural or suburban areas, where homes or other structures are surrounded by vegetation.
Wildfires are typically caused by a combination of factors, including weather conditions (such as high winds and low humidity), the presence of flammable vegetation, and human activities such as campfires, smoking, and fireworks. Once ignited, wildfires can spread quickly, especially if conditions are dry and windy.
Wildfires can have a range of impacts, both immediate and long-term. In addition to the destruction of homes and other structures, wildfires can cause significant environmental damage, including the loss of wildlife habitat and the destruction of natural resources. Smoke from wildfires can also have negative health effects on nearby residents, including respiratory problems.
Firefighters and other first responders work to contain and extinguish wildfires using a variety of techniques, including creating fire breaks, using water and chemicals to suppress flames, and sometimes allowing fires to burn in a controlled manner in order to reduce fuel for future fires.
It is important for people living in areas at risk of wildfires to be prepared and to take steps to reduce the likelihood of fires starting or spreading, such as clearing debris from around homes and other structures and following local regulations and restrictions on outdoor burning.
