Posted by Ranger Janet (165.83.6.33) on September 12, 2002 at 08:45:02:
In Reply to: forest fires posted by Katie and Leah on September 11, 2002 at 15:26:42:
: How fast do you think fire travels?
:
: When there is a fire, how many acres would you say that it would be under control?
Hi Katie and Leah,
Thank you for your questions. In the 1988 fires, fires often moved two miles per hour, with common daily advances of five to ten miles. A number of factors, such as wind and terrain, influence the speed of fire. A fire may burn 16 times faster uphill than on flat ground.
I am not sure that I understand your second question. Fire manager often speak of a percentage of the fire that is "contained" at a particular point in time. A change in climate can make that percentage increase or decrease dramatically. And acreage that is "contained" may still have hot spots. I hope that this answers your question.