Every large gathering needs a mix of personalities: the Shy Wallflower, the Relaxed Socializer, and the Swinging Party Animal.

It turns out, a wildfire has the same three types of guests. And, it takes a mix of all three to throw a truly devastating wildfire party!

The Shy Wallflower: Ground Fire

Like the quiet shy guest who hugs the walls, the Ground Fire creeps along the ground. It munches through the duff — the squishy carpet of decomposing leaves, needles, and other organic materials covering the ground. Ground Fires produce few visible flames and little smoke, but skulk about, sometimes hiding in tree roots and decaying stumps, only to pop up where you least expect it. Even long after the other guests have left.

The Relaxed Socializer: Surface Fire

The Surface Fire is the mixer and mingler. It’s visible and steady — the classic wildfire guest. It stays grounded, dancing with low-level fuels like grasses, leaves, and small bushes. Unlike the Ground Fire, the Surface Fire leaves when it has danced with everyone in close range.

The Swinging Party Animal: Crown Fire

Then there’s the Crown Fire. The Crown Fire grabs everyone’s attention by flaming through the tree tops, literally burning through the roof. It screams “Watch this!” as it “torches” — leaping from the top of one tree to the next. If there’s wind, it’s sure to be featured on the evening news, throwing embers and flaming bits around with wild abandon.

For a Good Wildfire, Invite All Three!

The terrifying one is the Crown Fire, but it’s the Ground Fire that gets the party started, and the Surface Fire that connects them all:

Step 1: The Spark & The Wallflower. A careless spark lands in dried leaves. The quiet Ground Fire sneaks around, smoldering in the duff.

Step 2: The Socializer Arrives. A slight breeze pushes the creeping Ground Fire into dry grasses. Presto! The Surface Fire arrives, burning openly through low brush.

Step 3: The Party Animal Takes the Roof. The Surface Fire finds “ladder fuel” — low branches, bushes, fences, etc. — it can climb to reach the treetops. The Crown Fire ignites, leaping from tree to tree, and spreading the party with wind-tossed embers that, in turn, start new Ground Fires.

As long as there is something to keep any one guest going, the party will continue!

What can you do?

BEFORE the fire: Don’t be the spark that starts a fire — most wildfires are caused by humans. Create breaks in the paths fire might take: Clearing a 5-foot bubble around your house will keep Ground Fires from nesting. Gaps in fences and vegetation can prevent Surface Fires from spreading. Space between tree tops and branches make it harder for Crown Fires to swing from tree to tree.

DURING the fire: Stay alert to fire updates — conditions can change quickly and suddenly. If you are ready to leave at a moment’s notice, but don’t think it’s time to go yet, move flammables such as propane tanks and deck furniture at least 30 feet away from the house.

AFTER the fire: Check for Ground Fires nesting anywhere near your house and around the neighborhood. Report any persistent, localized smoke or steam rising from the ground to the authorities.

RIGHT NOW: Make a donation to help Creative Crisis Leadership turn complex science into simple, life-saving knowledge!

Sources

1. A Land Manager’s Guide for Creating Fire-Resistant Forests | Stephen Fitzgerald and Max Bennett, Oregon State University Extension Service

Stay Safe and Be Curious this Holiday Season!