Wildfire is a natural process that many ecosystems have adapted to over time. It helps clear out underbrush, rejuvenates soil, and creates habitat for different species. However, wildfire also causes water-related hazards such as flash floods and pollution that can affect human communities and the natural ecosystems that supply us with freshwater.
In the United States, the number of homes located in areas classified as wildland-urban interface (WUI) has increased significantly over recent decades. This has increased the risk of wildfire and led to an increase in damages caused by wildfires.
Climate change makes wildfires worse, turning routine fire seasons into intense events that threaten Americans’ lives and health during and after a fire. The combination of high temperatures, drought conditions, and dense forest fuels makes it easier for fires to spread and become widespread.
Fuels are anything flammable that can help the fire burn – trees, brush, mounds of grass, or even people’s homes and properties. Whether or not a fire can grow and sustain itself depends on how dry the fuel is, its composition, and other factors such as wind. For example, the moisture content of leaves or other vegetation can be a factor: oak leaves tend to have lower moisture contents than maple leaves.
WPI researchers study wildfires using a variety of methods including physical and mathematical modeling. In addition, a team of researchers led by Professor Albert Simeoni conducts experiments in WPI’s large lab and at external sites, such as the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in Bolivia. These experiments include prescribed burning and studying the behavior of smoke. Smoke contains a variety of pollutants, including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, that can lead to respiratory infections, lung diseases, heart disease, and premature death.
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