The Affects of Wildfires

Nicholas K. Geranios
Published August 18, 2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/18/washington-fires-2012-idaho_n_1800453.html

Summary:  In August, there were large wildfires covering 113 square miles and passing through Washington, California, and Idaho.  It lasted for 2 weeks, and was very dangerous and active. The fire threatened the lives of many and resulted in people having to evacuate their homes and towns in order to stay clear of its path.  It also moved very quickly and could reach towns within 24 to 36 hours.   A small town in Washington was in a scary situation when the roads leading in and out of the town were all under threats.  Firefighters worked to keep the fire under control and to slow it down.  Many others also helped with keeping the residents safe and also repairing the damages left by the fire.  Residents in Washington and California were allowed to return home while more residents in Idaho were told to evacuate due to the fire moving closer.

Connection:  This article connects to the ecology unit and to the matter and energy unit.  After an area has gone through a natural disaster, many of the plant and animal species are wiped out.  Therefore the land goes through secondary succession.  Also, a severe disturbance like a fire removes diseased plants and harmful insects to the ecosystem and also returns nutrients to the soil by burning dead or decaying matter.  The article also connects to the matter and energy unit because in order for a fire to survive and continue to grow, it needs three things and one of them is the element oxygen.  A fire dies out if not exposed to oxygen.