What is the influence of wildfires on the ecosystem?

This is a report that I made as part of a research project for my Global Perspectives Exam.

Introduction

Ecosystems are generally a collection of flora, fauna, weather, landscape that work together to support life. Ecosystems are made of biotic factors like plants, animals as well as abiotic factors like climate, and terrain. These factors are interdependent. Ecosystems can be on a large and small scale. These ecosystems co-relate with each other to form the Earth. (National Geographic Society , 2011) 

A wildfire can be widely defined as a fire that occurs unintentionally. It burns in terrestrial areas. These fires are often caused by human activity or a natural phenomenon. (WHO, n.d.) 

This report will weigh the causes and consequences and highlight the benefits and disadvantages of wildfires. 

Causes

Human Caused

Almost 90% of wildfires are caused by humans. Most of these wildfires are linked to the imprudence of humans. These involve camping, careless disposal of cigarette butts and lighters, garbage deposits, arson, malfunctioning equipment, etc. 

Starting with an international perspective, it has been observed that in Canada, the United States of America and certain surrounding countries, recreational activities such as camping have caused over 83% of wildfires. (Daley, 2017) During these camping adventures, negligent campers leave campfires or combusting materials unattended and indulge in other activities. These further ignite wildfires. (Madaan, n.d) These have resulted in major fires in many countries in the North American continent. (Neupane et al., 2006)

Another international perspective of wildfires is smoking. A global study conducted by epidemiologists concluded that the leading cause of fires and deaths globally is smoking. In over 8 countries with available statistics, smoking is the primary cause of wildfires and many more countries believe the same. Smokers are sometimes unaware of their surroundings and dispose of cigarette butts without completely extinguishing the butt. These lead to fires when they end up near combustible material. (Leistikow et al., 2000)

Likewise, another local perspective to consider is the Simlipal forest in Odisha, India. This forest saw a major fire in March 2021. The locals of this village often ignite dry leaves to collect mahua flowers, which are used to prepare a local drink. These dry leaves are the cause of the wildfires in Odisha which lasted almost 2 months. (Marar, 2021)

Natural Causes

Moving onto the natural causes; only 10 to 15 per cent of wildfires occur due to natural reasons. These naturally occurring wildfires can start during dry weather conditions. In these situations, lush green vegetation turns into dry flammable fuel. The warm climatic conditions also help in the combustion of these dry plants. A simple spark from lightning, downed power lines or scorching sun rays are all that’s left to set acres of land on fire. Hot dry winds also increase the severity of wildfires. (Walters, 2019)

Starting with an international perspective, researchers have found lighting to be a common trigger of wildfires. Lightning can create sparks and these sparks can land on trees, rocks and even power cables. The lightning that results in wildfires is known as hot lighting. This kind of lightning strikes for longer periods with lower voltage. (Madaan, n.d.) This aggravates wildfires and causes them to spread over a large area. Over 5% of the wildfires in the Mediterranean Zone were sparked by this sort of lightning. (Perez, 2017) After evaluating data from wildfires databases provided by Spain, Portugal, Southern France and Greece, the role of lightning in initiating these fires has brought light to the need for new forecasting methods in these countries. (Pérez-Invernón et al., 2021) 

Another national aspect to consider is the 500 hectares of land burned in Spain. Studies show that these wildfires are directly linked to natural weather phenomena. Firstly, at a macro level, climatic conditions over many seasons determine the amount of fuel for wildfires. Secondly, weather conditions just a few days before the fire determine the moisture of this fuel and therefore impact their flammability. And lastly, on further inspection, meteorological changes in a few hours determine the ignition and spread of the wildfire. (Forest fires in Spain, 2022) 

After evaluating the different causes of wildfires, we can now explore the consequences of these natural disasters. Wildfires are dangerous to humans and cause lots of damage to property, land and health. However, wildfires also play a leading role in nature and ecosystems. 

Consequences

Advantages

Starting with the disadvantages, wildfires are known to destroy ecosystems and biodiversity. Wildfires directly affect habitats and interfere in the relationship of thousands of flora and fauna species. The raging fires destroy the habitable and adapted land and force animals to migrate, thus, killing animals and killing plant life. Wildfires have led to the extinction of species. 

Looking at a national perspective, three billion animals were killed and displaced during the Australian wildfires. In one of the largest fires seen by mankind, almost 11.63 hectares of land was wiped out. Almost 30% of all species were killed and every animal on the list had lost their habitat. (BBC, 2020b) A few already endangered species like the corroboree frog and the kangaroo island dunnart were reduced to only 50 individuals left. (BBC, 2020a)

Another national perspective to consider is the air pollution caused by wildfires. Wildfires deteriorate the quality of air and contaminate it with harmful smoke. The smoke and ash from wildfires increase the chance of respiratory diseases. The Amazon Wildfire in 2019-2020 were the worst wildfire the world has ever witnessed. The huge rainforest, which supported 20% of the planet’s oxygen, remained burning for months. The Brazilian cities are victims of a dark, smoky environment. The rains during that season smelled like smoke according to locals in the city. (Triputi, 2019)

Lastly, from an economical perspective, wildfires put pressure on the economical aspect of a region. Firstly, wildfires destroy human property like buildings, houses and pose a threat to the first responders of the wildfire. These families often migrate which leads to loss of manpower, the decimation of business and more. (Reiff, 2021) Furthermore, local governments spend millions to control and stop wildfires. In most cases, a large group of firefighters are deployed; often overlooked, these firefighters and rescuers also get injured during wildfires. All of these costs add up and affected areas will suffer economically in the future. (Madaan, n.d.) A national perspective to consider is the fire seasons in the United States. The 2018 Campfire resulted in a loss of 10 billion dollars. Furthermore, an economical study conducted showed that for every day of smoke released by wildfires, an economy faces a 0.04% loss in earnings. (Hannon, 2021)

Despite the disadvantages mentioned, wildfires have lots of benefits being a natural phenomenon. 

Advantages

Starting with an international perspective, pine trees growing in countries in the northern hemisphere use wildfires as an important method for seed dispersal. The seeds of these trees have a flammable resin that allows the fire to propagate (Supriya, 2017) An example of this benefit is the chaparral trees in Oregon, the scrub oak trees in California and the manzanita tree found in Southern British Columbia and certain parts of Mexico and United States of America. (National Geographic Society, 2019) These plants require fires once every few years or sometimes even centuries to survive. 

Another aspect to consider is wildfires as an agent of renewal. Wildfires have a restorative power that is called “ecological succession”. This fire ecology term revolves around keeping ecosystems healthy and acting as a reset button for forests. This succession is a process containing many ecological stages that ultimately allow ecosystems to return to a state of stability. In the first stage, new plants start to emerge from the soil. These are called wildflowers and they quickly germinate and produce a new set of seeds. During the second stage, grasses emerge and form a layer over the forest. In the third stage, pioneer trees start to appear and are more capable of adjusting to harsh environmental situations. In the fourth stage, trees become dormant and grow on a large scale. They form a canopy over the forest and the ecosystem is shaded, pleasant and a bit humid. Lastly, in the final stage, the pleasant ecological conditions help newer trees and vines to grow and ecosystems are almost mature. (Forest After Fire – Restoration & Regrowth After Wildfire, 2019) Overall, in this 5 stage process, ecosystems, forests, and other terrestrial areas reset themselves and stabilise. 

From a national perspective, researchers in the Southern United States realised that there are certain species of plants that not only rely upon but wait for wildfires to make ecosystems more habitable and ready for regeneration and growth. The wildfires help prepare the soil and act as a natural plough; this helps the soil absorb nutrients. Furthermore, the fires also remove unwanted plant species that are a nuisance to native flora and fauna in the ecosystem. (Fire Ecology, n.d.)

From a local perspective, fires in the Himalayan region of Uttaranchal in the Indian Himalayas have faced lots of criticism for causing air pollution, deforestation and spoiling the aesthetics of the land. However, studies conducted by the Botany Division of the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun state that fires play a leading role in “forest ecosystem dynamics”. They believe it is not fire alone, but anthropogenic activities that are degrading these forests and wildfires should not take the blame. In addition, wildfires can be used as a cost-efficient means of maintaining forests. The study concludes that controlled fires can help reduce the amount of fuel build-up so future wildfires are of lesser intensity. Secondly, wildfires will also reduce competition within components of an ecosystem; allowing stronger and healthier vegetation to prosper. Often overlooked, wildfires are also useful in creating snags that are the perfect habitat for birds like woodpeckers. Lastly, they can also act as practice for fire-fighters that will deal with large scale fires in the future. (Parashar & Biswas, n.d.

Conclusion

From different perspectives, we can identify the leading causes and consequences of wildfires. Firstly, we can infer that human causes play a major part in determining how intense a wildfire is. However, a few natural phenomenons like weather, are a vital part of wildfires. A report by a European Climate Change website revealed the effect of climate on the wildfires in Spain. (Forest fires in Spain, 2022) On the other hand, the benefits of wildfires outweigh the disadvantages. After evaluating the cause and consequences of wildfires on our ecosystem, we have learned that wildfires are natural phenomena and are necessary for our ecosystems. However, this only applies to controlled and limited wildfires. Therefore we can also conclude that anthropogenic activities and human imprudences are what is causing wildfires to fall into an extremity. Ecosystems are unable to thrive in these extreme wildfires. Lastly, after evaluating the different perspectives, it was observed that the government has taken more action in dealing with the consequences of the wildfire instead of taking authoritative action against human imprudences. In conclusion, the influence of wildfires on our ecosystem is more of a positive one and is necessary for shaping the environment. The right course of action would be to reduce human causes thus subsequently reducing the negative impacts of wildfires on our ecosystem.

Reflection

Conducting this research has helped me realise that wildfires are beneficial to the environment. My perspective of wildfires that were originally negative have changed and I have learned that our ecosystems need natural and controlled wildfires. Wildfires are also costly and harmful and therefore, all things considered, humans are on a self-destructive path. Because of this, humans need to reduce anthropogenic activities and let ecosystems heal over time. 

Evaluation of Sources

The strengths of these sources are that most of the sources used in this report were from reputable organisations like WHO or National Geographic. Qualitative data was sourced from reliable government archives or government wildfire departments. Any sources that were studies or researches had cited sources and gave references. Lastly, the articles acknowledged counter-arguments and gave a range of perspectives on wildfires. The weaknesses of the sources are that certain sources lack statistical evidence because of the inability to find data of certain regions. In addition, some sources had no author provided.


References

Air, H., Air, H., & Science. (n.d.). How Wildfires Affect Our Health. Www.lung.org. https://www.lung.org/blog/how-wildfires-affect-health#:~:text=Wildfires%20threaten%20lives%20directly%2C%20and

Anguiano, D. (2021, October 12). It’s tempting to blame the US west’s wildfires on arson. The truth is more complex. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/12/wildfires-cause-arson-california

BBC. (2020a, February 12). “Urgent help” needed for 113 species after fires. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-51469688

BBC. (2020b, July 28). Australia’s Fires “killed or Harmed Three Billion Animals.” BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-53549936

Brazil: Amazon Fires Affect Health of Thousands. (2020, August 26). Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/26/brazil-amazon-fires-affect-health-thousands

Canadienne, P. (2018, August 1). Lightning strikes caused more than 100 Quebec forest fires in July. Montrealgazette. https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/lightning-strikes-caused-more-than-100-quebec-forest-fires-in-july

Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. (2018a, November 26). Wildfires and Climate Change. Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. https://www.c2es.org/content/wildfires-and-climate-change/

Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. (2018b, November 26). Wildfires and Climate Change. Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. https://www.c2es.org/content/wildfires-and-climate-change/

Crowley, M. (2020, June 23). McGill University. Newsroom. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/experts-wildfires-quebec-322995

Daley, J. (2017, February 28). Study Shows 84% of Wildfires Caused by Humans. Smithsonian; Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/study-shows-84-wildfires-caused-humans-180962315/

Facts + Statistics: Wildfires | III. (2021). Www.iii.org. https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-wildfires#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20there%20were%2058%2C985

Fire Ecology. (n.d.). Www.pacificbio.org. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from http://www.pacificbio.org/initiatives/fire/fire_ecology.html#

Forest After Fire – Restoration & Regrowth After Wildfire. (2019, February 5). Frontline. https://www.frontlinewildfire.com/how-forest-recovers-wildfire/

Forest fires in Spain. (2022, January 8). Climatechangepost.com. https://www.climatechangepost.com/spain/forest-fires/#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20low%20moisture

Hannon, B. (2021, February 8). Damage From Wildfire Smoke Extends to Infrastructure, Businesses, Other Communities. Insurance Journal. https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2021/02/08/600483.htm

Hausfather, Z. (2017, December 13). Analysis: Why scientists think 100% of global warming is due to humans. Carbon Brief. https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-why-scientists-think-100-of-global-warming-is-due-to-humans#:~:text=The%20best%20estimate%20of%20the

https://www.facebook.com/robnelsonfilms. (2019). The Environmental Impact of Forest Fires – Untamed Science. Untamed Science. https://untamedscience.com/blog/the-environmental-impact-of-forest-fires/

Leistikow, B. N., Martin, D. C., & Milano, C. E. (2000). Fire Injuries, Disasters, and Costs from Cigarettes and Cigarette Lights: A Global Overview. Preventive Medicine, 31(2), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.0680

Madaan, S. (n.d.). Various Causes and Effects of Wildfires | Earth Eclipse. Earth Eclipse. https://eartheclipse.com/environment/various-causes-and-effects-of-wildfires.html#:~:text=90%25%20of%20all%20wildfires%20are

Marar, A. (2021, April 5). Explained: Why forest fires break out in the spring, and why they have been so frequent this year. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-forest-fires-break-out-in-the-spring-and-why-they-have-been-so-frequent-this-year-7259057/

National Geographic Society. (2019a, July 18). Wildfires. National Geographic Society; National Geographic Society. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/wildfires/

National Geographic Society. (2019b, July 18). Wildfires. National Geographic Society; National Geographic Society. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/wildfires/

Neupane, A., Boxall, P., & Pelletier, R. (2006). Assessing Recreation Values at Risk of Loss from Wildfires in Alberta: A Static Analysis PROJECT REPORT. https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/1d16e327-9e09-475d-a344-f1a77911d4cd/view/d748b057-ff19-4411-9384-881b76699aa5/boxallpstat8__Final_Report.pdf

Ogasa, N. (2021, May 21). Air pollution helps wildfires create their own lightning. Www.science.org. https://www.science.org/content/article/air-pollution-helps-wildfires-create-their-own-lightning#:~:text=Most%20people%20know%20lightning%20can

Parashar, A., & Biswas, S. (n.d.). The Impact of Forest Fire on Forest Biodiversity in the Indian Himalayas (Uttaranchal). Www.fao.org. https://www.fao.org/3/XII/0358-B1.htm

Perez, J. (2017, July 21). Causes et consequences of forest fires. OMPE | Organisation Mondiale Pour La Protection de L’Environnement. https://www.ompe.org/en/causes-et-consequences-of-forest-fires/#:~:text=When%20the%20frequency%20of%20forest

Pérez-Invernón, F. J., Huntrieser, H., Soler, S., Gordillo-Vázquez, F. J., Pineda, N., Navarro-González, J., Reglero, V., Montanyà, J., van der Velde, O., & Koutsias, N. (2021). Lightning-ignited wildfires and long continuing current lightning in the Mediterranean Basin: preferential meteorological conditions. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 21(23), 17529–17557. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17529-2021

Reiff, N. (2021, June 25). How Fire Season Affects the Economy. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/how-fire-season-affects-the-economy-5194059

Safe and Effective Wildfire Response. (2016, December 2). US Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/response#:~:text=The%20way%20that%20the%20U.S.

Scientist, N. (2000, August 8). Study Shows Smoking Is A Leading Cause Of Fire Disaster And Death Worldwide, Costing Over $27 Billion Yearly. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/08/000807064005.htm

Society, N. G. (2011, August 15). Ecosystem. National Geographic Society. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/ecosystem/#:~:text=Encyclopedic%20Entry%20Vocabulary-

Stanley, M. (n.d.). Ecosystem | National Geographic Society. Www.nationalgeographic.org. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/ecosystem/print/

Supriya, L. (2017, December 19). Ecosystems could once bounce back from wildfires. Now, they’re being wiped out for good. Www.science.org. https://www.science.org/content/article/ecosystems-could-once-bounce-back-wildfires-now-they-re-being-wiped-out-good

The Impact of Forest Fire on Forest Biodiversity in the Indian Himalayas (Uttaranchal). (n.d.). Www.fao.org. https://www.fao.org/3/XII/0358-B1.htm

Triputi, S. (2019, November 1). 10 Worst wildfires our world has ever witnessed. EducationWorld. https://www.educationworld.in/the-10-worst-wildfires-our-world-has-ever-witnessed/

Walters, C. (2019, December 5). Here’s how wildfires get started—and how to stop them. Environment. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/wildfires#:~:text=How%20wildfires%20start

WHO. (n.d.-a). Wildfires. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/health-topics/wildfires#tab=tab_1

WHO. (n.d.-b). Wildfires. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/health-topics/wildfires#tab=tab_1

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *