A wildfire is a dangerous, out of control fire that most often burns through forests and rural areas. However, wildfires sometimes spread into areas where people live, destroying homes, schools and other buildings. In addition, smoke from wildfires is bad for your health. Breathing in smoke produced by a wildfire can be extremely harmful, particularly for children and older adults.
Nine out of ten fires are caused by people – which is why Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires.” These fires may be a result of people not properly putting out campfires, throwing burning cigarettes out of windows, or shooting off fireworks when the grass is dry.
For a wildfire to form, you need heat, fuel and oxygen. Heat means high temperatures. Fuel is material that will burn, such as dry trees or grass. Oxygen is contained in the air we breathe.
Wildfires that endanger homes and property need to be contained. To do so, you need wildland firefighters. These are highly-trained men and women that endure exhausting work, harsh living conditions and long separations from friends and family to protect our nation’s natural resources from the ravages of unwanted wildfire.
But for the firefighters to safely and efficiently fight the fire, they need to understand the weather. Weather conditions (such as wind and rain) influence how easily a fire may start, how quickly it spreads and where the fire and smoke will move.
Incident Meteorologists (IMETs) are National Weather Service forecasters who have been specially trained and certified to provide local weather forecasts at a fire location. They’re like the meteorologists you see on TV but they predict what a wildfire will do based upon their knowledge of weather conditions. They use computers, satellite information and portable weather stations to track dangerous wildfires and help keep firefighters safe.
One hazard that IMETs look out for is lightning. When lightning is in the area IMETs issue warnings to firefighters so that they can find safe shelter. Wind is another dangerous element when it comes to fighting wildfires. Strong gusts can cause the fire to suddenly shift, which can injure the firefighters or cut off their escape routes. The weather changes by the minute so IMETs are needed to provide timely information around the clock.
Computers are an essential tool for weather forecasters. IMETs help keep fire crews safe by tracking one of the most variable aspects of a wildfire – the weather. All those who fight wildfires put themselves in danger to keep the rest of us safe. Do your part to prevent wildfires from starting. Never leave a fire unattended. Be careful during periods of dry or hot weather. And speak up if you see someone in danger of starting a wildfire. Remember, as Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
