World’s Worst Wildfire Disasters for Kids (An Encyclopedia of World's Worst Disasters for Kids Book 5‪)‬

The occurrences of wildfires date back to 420 million years ago, with the evidence of fossil charcoal. Earth’s flammability is brought about by its carbon-rich vegetation, atmospheric oxygen, widespread lightning, seasonally dry climates, and volcanic ignitions. Wildfires have affected terrestrial life throughout history, especially the evolutionary aspect of Earth’s flora(plants) and fauna(animals).



Wildfires can either be caused by natural phenomena or human activities. Dry climate, lightning, and volcanic eruptions could cause wildfires to wreak havoc on the lands. Arid regions, or those who severely lack water to the extent that plant and animal life cannot grow, are susceptible to wildfires. Most arid areas include North America, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia, especially those near the equatorial belt. Wildfires caused by lightning, particularly dry lightning, are common in Canada, Australia, and the United States. These are produced by pyrocumulus clouds in the absence of precipitation at the surface. Hot ashes and volcanic eruptions can cause wildfires, too, especially when they contact trees and grasses. Though wildfires are a natural phenomenon, the most common reason for their occurrence is human activity. The improper disposal of flammable items such as cigarettes, the installation of power-line arcs can spark an ignition that could result in large wildfires when uncontained.



Naturally occurring wildfires have beneficial effects on the ecosystems involved. Fire helps nutrients from plant matters to return back to the soil. The heat generated from the phenomenon is necessary for the germination of specific seeds. Additionally, dead trees and early forests from a high-severity fire can create habitat conditions that are advantageous to wildlife. In fact, some ecosystems rely on naturally occurring wildfires for growth and reproduction. However, if there exists too much fire, these ecosystems would suffer – like what happened in most of the massive wildfires in history.



Fires are spread in various ways, based on the flammable materials, their arrangement, moisture content, and available weather conditions. Fire types can be ground, crawling, ladder, or crown. Grown fires originated from underground roots and other buried organic matter. This type can burn for months, like what happened in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Crawling, also known as surface fires, is fueled by low-lying vegetation such as leaf, litter, grass, and shrubs scattered on the forest floor. They often burn at relatively low temperatures than crown fires and spread at a slower rate. Ladder fires burn material between tree canopies and low-level plants. Examples of this type of fire are logs, small trees, and vines. Several ferns and other parasitic plants may also cause ladder fires. Finally, crown fires consume suspended material at the canopy level. These occur on tall trees, mosses, and vines. The term “crowning” is used for crown fire ignition. All fire types depend on several factors such as weather conditions and vegetation moisture content.



The series features facts about natural disasters that may happen at any time. Everyone should have an idea of what to do before, during, and after a disaster. With the help of this series, young readers will gain knowledge on the World’s Worst disasters, its aftermath, and tips on how to prepare yourself for one..



Features include

•Perfect for readers 7-12 years old

•Well-informed books fit for the family

•Easy to read stories any young reader can enjoy

•Teaches kids disaster awareness and preparedness



In any situation, it is best to come prepared. Preparation can save many lives as well as resources. Being knowledgeable about disasters can guarantee one’s survival.