Forest FiresForest Fires

Surface FireSurface Fire

Burns undergrowth and leaf litterBurns undergrowth and leaf litter

Benefits of surface firesBenefits of surface fires

Prevents larger “crown fires”Prevents larger “crown fires” Releases nutrients in fallen leavesReleases nutrients in fallen leaves Helps conifer seeds germinate (sequoias, Helps conifer seeds germinate (sequoias,

pines)pines) Reduces diseases and insectsReduces diseases and insects Opens sections of canopy to help smaller Opens sections of canopy to help smaller

trees grow, encourages diversitytrees grow, encourages diversity

How surface fires happenHow surface fires happen

LightningLightning

Prescribed burnsPrescribed burns

Foresters deliberately set firesForesters deliberately set fires

Prescribed burnsPrescribed burns

Help clear buildup of underbrushHelp clear buildup of underbrush Prevents more destructive firesPrevents more destructive fires

The Fire TriangleThe Fire Triangle

Today’s projectToday’s project

Group 1Group 1: make a poster, PowerPoint, or : make a poster, PowerPoint, or TV commercial about how to prevent TV commercial about how to prevent accidental forest firesaccidental forest fires

Things to consider:Things to consider: What are the dangers of these fires?What are the dangers of these fires? How do they affect forests?How do they affect forests? How can they be prevented?How can they be prevented?

Today’s projectToday’s project

Group 2Group 2: make a poster, PowerPoint, or : make a poster, PowerPoint, or TV commercial on the benefits of TV commercial on the benefits of prescribed burnsprescribed burns

Things to consider:Things to consider: How to they prevent future fires?How to they prevent future fires? How do they help the forest?How do they help the forest? How are these fires controlled?How are these fires controlled?