Left: Waikapu, Maui, Hawaii wildfire showing area of burn. (Image: PDC)
In just seconds, a spark or even the sun's heat alone sets off an inferno. The wildfire quickly spreads, consuming the thick, dried-out vegetation and almost everything else in its path. What was once a forest becomes a virtual powder keg of untapped fuel. In a seemingly instantaneous burst, the wildfire overtakes thousands of acres of surrounding land, threatening the homes and lives of many in the vicinity.
An average of 5 million acres burns every year in the United States, causing millions of dollars in damage. Once a fire begins, it can spread at a rate of up to 14.29 miles per hour (23 kph), consuming everything in its path. As a fire spreads over brush and trees, it may take on a life of its own--finding ways to keep itself alive, even spawning smaller fires by throwing embers miles away.
The fire triangle was created by scientists as a way of understanding the factors that make up fire. Each equal side of the triangle represents one of the three ingredients of fire--oxygen, heat, and fuel. The interaction of these three ingredients is required for the creation and maintenance of any fire. When there is not enough heat generated to sustain the process, when the fuel is exhausted, removed, or isolated, or when the oxygen supply is limited, then a side of the triangle is broken and the fire is suppressed.
The fire triangle. (Image: Communicator's Guide)