Bushfires, also known as wildfires, are fires that burn through vegetation such as grasslands, scrublands, and forests. They are most common in hot, dry climates like Australia, where fire services respond to tens of thousands of bushfires annually. Bushfires can be natural, often caused by lightning strikes, but over 90% are started by human activity, either accidentally or deliberately. They are particularly prevalent near populated areas with vegetation. Key factors influencing bushfire size and severity include the amount and type of fuel (e.g., dry leaves, dead branches, grass), weather conditions (high temperature, low humidity, wind), and topography, with fires traveling faster uphill. The impact of bushfires can be devastating, causing loss of life, property damage, widespread destruction of animal habitats, and health risks from smoke. Despite their destructive nature, fire is also a natural and necessary element in certain ecosystems, helping with regeneration and shaping landscapes. Climate change intensifies bushfires by increasing heat, droughts, and lightning strikes, making fires larger and more destructive.
