When a major, intense wildfire occurs, it has a major impact on the environment of that area well after the fire is out. Here is what the environmental response to a forest fire looks like.
CO2
Wildfires emit a large amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Globally, wildfires contribute about 10% of the world’s carbon emissions, and this number is going up with the increase in wildfire activity that we’ve been seeing over the past few years.
Air Pollution
As many of us in Canada saw firsthand this summer, smoke from wildfires can do a number on air quality. Wildfire smoke contains small particles that cause lung damage when breathed in.
Water Pollution
Ash from forest fires will fall into waterways and, depending on the level of contaminants and the volume of ash, this can cause water pollution that negatively impacts fish species.
New Growth
One positive result of forest fires is all of the new growth that proceeds them. After an area has burned, the nutrients from the ash creates very fertile soil that encourages robust new growth and a diversity of species.
Increased Flooding Risks
Another often overlooked consequence of wildfires is that they can increase the risk of flooding. The loss of vegetation from a fire reduces soil stability, making it more susceptible to erosion and runoff. This can lead to increased flooding in areas that were previously well-drained. For more information on how wildfires contribute to flooding, check out our detailed article on how wildfire increases flooding.
With worsening wildfire seasons over the past few years, the negative impacts of forest fires are becoming increasingly apparent on a global scale. At SPIEDR, we are dedicated to addressing these challenges through wildland fire suppression training, consulting, and providing suppression equipment.
