Fire has always been a natural part of many ecosystems. But if it gets out of control, it can cause severe economic and environmental damage. Fortunately, we’re learning more about how to manage wildfires in order to minimize their impact.

A range of factors contribute to wildfire patterns, including climate change and land use changes. A longer growing season and higher summer temperatures allow more vegetation to grow, which can then burn in a wildfire. Meanwhile, increased development in previously wild areas can also push forests closer to urban communities, which increases the risk of large, fast-moving fires.

Fuel conditions are also a factor: drought, heat, and wind dry out timber and other fuels and make them easier to ignite and spread. The topography of an area is another consideration, with fire spreading quickly uphill because hot air rises. And on a slope, the side that faces the sun is warmer and dries out faster than the shaded side. Fuels that are both warm and dry are known as “flash fuel,” which ignite easily and rapidly spreads once it is burning.

When people are near a wildfire, smoke and fine particulate matter can trigger respiratory issues such as irritation to the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs, and can lead to more serious diseases like asthma. Pollutants in wildfire smoke can also contaminate water sources and harm fish and plant life. In addition, the loss of animal habitat from a wildfire can have long-lasting impacts on local ecosystems.