Wildfires release 34% of the world's annual soot mass into the atmosphere. Previously, it had been assumed that the soot particles released were the same as those released by vehicles, which are smaller than a micrometer in size. However, scientist have now identified that an overwhelming majority of the soot particles released by wildfires are much larger, called superaggregates. They are ten times longer than the regular particles and are much more compact. Investigations have been done on smoke samples from earlier fires, and these superaggregeates have been found in all the examined samples.
Here's the problem: these superaggregates are able to be transported further in the atmosphere, and are more damaging the human lung. Essentially, a superaggregate released by a wildfire in California could reach states further away than the sub-micrometer sized particles could. Also, superaggregates being much larger, they contribute to 90% of the earth's soot emission, raising the annual soot mass. This may not seem like a big deal, but the higher the soot mass, the more clogged up the atmosphere, and the more global warming could be experienced.
The obvious solution to this problem, is limiting wildfires. However, as the name implies, wildfires are wild. Some are caused by camp fires left unattended or allowed to get out of control. These could be stopped by simply not allowing camp fires in high risk areas and strictly enforcing the rule. Others, though, are completely out of human control, such as those started by lightning. We cannot control how thunderstorms act, but we can control how we respond when lightning misbehaves. Having more people, even ordinary citizens, trained and ready to respond to a wildfire could aid in getting the fire under control much faster.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140707103639.htm
When I think about wildfires I always think about the physical destruction they do to the earth, but usually forget about the negative environmental impact they have. You think about trees burning, but you forget that homes and other buildings burn as well. When these human made structures are burning many times poisonous gasses are being released into the atmosphere. Forest fires are a great concern due to the fact that they are a threat to humans and the environment while they are active and also after they are put out. I agree that having your common citizen awake of how to prevent forest fires and even how to control a small one could be very beneficial. Although forest fires are inevitable, there is much that can be done to limit their environmental impact.
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