Posted by Ranger Kevin (165.83.4.119) on September 11, 2002 at 17:25:53:
In Reply to: forestfire posted by Reece and Carl on September 11, 2002 at 15:24:51:
: Why do forest fires usally start?
Thanks for your question Reece and Carl. Forest fires usually start because conditions in the environment are right for them to occur. These conditions include dry weather patterns, windy weather, location, and the amount of moisture present in fuels like dead and live trees, and branches, twigs, needles, and grasses on the ground. Fires here in Yellowstone are quite common, but most do not get very large. The average fire is only one or two acres here because Yellowstone is normally a fairly wet place. Years of drought are when we usually see the larger fires. Most of these are caused by lightning.