Contributing Wildfire Factors

Relative humidity is the ratio that shows the amount of moisture in the air. Precipitation is any and all forms of water, liquid or solid, that fall from clouds and reaches the ground. Both of these variables are important when it comes to moisture in the fuel source. If there is a lack of moisture, the fuels can dry out and ignite quickly. High moisture levels help with fire suppression.

Temperatures of fuels determined by air temperature since fuels get their heat by absorbing solar radiation. The fuels light more quickly at high temperatures than they do at low temperatures.

Winds are the most important weather element to pay attention to when dealing with fires. Winds push fires along, and if the winds shift direction the movement of the fire changes too. Fires also create their own wind currents. Wind can increase the supply of oxygen to the fire, further providing energy for the fire to continue. Wind can also carry sparks from the main fire to other areas and start new fires.