Types of Fires

Fires are classified as Ground fire, Surface fire, and Crown fire.

Ground fire : It occur in such conditions where organic matter accumulates in heaps over the soil. The accumulation of the organic matter results in catching fire and it smolders appreciably for long periods. Fires of this type occur even under moist conditions and are flameless and subterranean. They kill almost all plants rooted in the burning material. However woody plants may survive under such conditions.

Surface fire : They occur along the ground surface rapidly. The flames burn away little living herbs and shrubs. The leaves of the trees are also scorched. In the absence of much of accumulation of litter under ground organisms and buried seeds may escape serious injury.

Crown fire : Fires of this kind occur in thick woody vegetation and spread from the crown of one plant to another. Such a fire is called crown fire. This types of fire consumes everything from the ground upwards and kills the whole plants. However many subterranean organisms and buried seeds are not destroyed if the ground in moist.