When we were in Oregon we saw the effects of wildfires. We weren't expecting to learn about fires on our trip, but when we got home, we did a little research.
Between 2011 and 2020 75.3 million acres burned in the U.S. We also learned that most wildfires are started by humans, the second cause is lightening.
Not only do fires destroy habitats for wildlife, fires also change the soil. The biggest risk to the soil after a fire is erosion. Because of the loss of trees that block wind and rain, the soil is less protected. However, a positive that comes from a fire, is that the nutrients of the dead plants that burn, are released more quickly into the soil after a fire making them easily accessible for new growth.
I hope you want to help prevent wildfires. Here are some things you can do.
Please do not build outdoor fires on windy days, it can wait!
Always use a fire pit ringed with stones when building an outdoor fire, and never leave it unattended.
If you do fireworks, wet down surrounding plants and other vegetation before starting. Also, have a hose or fire extinguisher ready, you should remove dead and dry plants from the area.
Remove dead or dry plants from your property to protect against fire.