What are Forest Fires?

Forest fire is common disaster in Indonesia, especially in Kalimantan. They pose a threat not
only to the forest wealth but also effect the ecology and environment .During summer when
there is no rain , the forest become littered with dry senescent leaves , which could burst into
flames ignited by the slightes spark.

Wildfires are blazes that are uncontrolled and fueled by different types of weather, dry
underbrush, and wind, which burn land by the acres and take over everything in their paths, in
just a few minutes. There are typically about 100,000 wildfires in Indonesia every year. Over 9
million acres of land have been destroyed due to treacherous wildfires. Here in this article you
will get to know about the causes, effects, and solutions to these wildfires and what can be done
about them?

Climate warming from increasing greenhouse gas emissions is forecast to dramatically increase
the risk of very large, damaging wildfires over the next several decades, a new NOAA-funded
study says. Here is an interesting piece of article which says that risk of large Indonesia
wildfires are predicted by mid-century.

Causes of Wildfires

1. Human beings are the number one cause of wildfires in Indonesia. Many of these wildfires
are caused by cigarette butts being left on the land, campfires that have been left unmonitored,
as well as intentional acts of arson. 90% of the wildfires in Indonesia. are caused by people.
Below are few of the expension field causes of wildfires.

 Unattended Campfires: Camping can be of great fun for both young and old age
people. Unattended campfires can put things out of control and can cause wildfires.
It is therefore recommended to choose safe location for a campfire that is away from
ignitable objects and is stocked with a bucket of water and a shovel.

 Cigarettes: Cigarettes are another common cause of wildfires. It is common for

people to throw the cigarette bud on the ground knowing that it is still burning.
Smokers must understand that a small negligence on their part can cause huge impact
on the environment and surrounding areas.

 Fireworks: Fireworks are fun to shoot off but special care needs to be taken when
they are in the hands of amateurs. Fireworks must be avoided even when there is
small chance that they could start a wildfire. If not handled properly that may end up
as flames in unwanted territory.
  Burning Debris: It is pretty common to burn yard waste in many places. While it is
legal to do so, it may cause fires at many places when things go out of hand. Winds
play a major role in wildfires. They can cause flames of a burning debris to spread
into forests or farms or fields.

2. Mother Nature is responsible for other 10% of wildfires in Indonesia.

 Lightening: Lightening can cause wildfires, especially the type of lightning called
“hot lightning”, which can last for a relatively long time. When it strikes, it can
produce a spark which can set off a forest or a field.

 Volcanic Eruption: Hot burning lava, from volcanic eruptions, also causes wildfires.
 Temprature
 Ground Fire

Effects of Wildfires

1. Wildfires take away homes, wildlife, as well as vegetation. All of the inhabitants of the
wildlife environment now are found homeless. People often lose their houses as well if
the fires are close enough to human housing. Vegetation is now obsolete if this area is
near a farm or near the food of other inhabitants. Millions of rupiahs are spent repairing
these damages and re-building homes and areas of vegetation.
2. The soil in the area of the wildfire has been completely destroyed. The soils in the forest
are made with decaying nutrients and debris that have a lot of natural ingredients that
help make the earth what it is. When a wildfire hits this soil it becomes too hot and all
of those nutrients are gone for good.
3. Animals lose their lives. It is sad but true fact that birds, squirrels, rabbits, and other
wildlife animals are no longer a part of this great earth.
4. Trees and plants are gone as well. Trees and plants help to produce oxygen in the world.
The less trees and plants there are the less clean air we have to breathe. With no plants
or trees, the animals that did survive no longer have anything to eat.
5. And many more.

Solutions to Wildfires

1. Make sure you are following all of the local regulations and laws regarding burning fires
during various times of day, year, and what materials and substances are permitted to
be burned. If you do not see a sign with the rules find a park ranger or someone close
by and keep a list of the rules and regulations on hand.
2. Do not burn any materials that are combustible or unusual in nature. Do not throw
garbage onto campfires or any other materials that should not be burned. You should
only be using materials that are organic such as leaves, woods, or yard waste. If you put
 unusual materials into a fire it is only going to make the fire spread at a rapid rate which
causes more problems for the area you are in.
3. If you are a cigarette smoker it is important not to smoke cigarettes where you are not
supposed to. If you do smoke you need to make sure that you put your cigarette out
completely before disposing of it. Under no circumstances should you throw cigarettes
onto the ground. Make sure they are completely put out and dispose of them properly.
Most camping and picnic areas do not allow smoking so if you are going to smoke you
need to know the rules beforehand.
4. Teach your children the rules and safety precautions of camping and being outdoors.
Make sure they know to stay away from fires and to always allow an adult to start and
put out fires. Many wildfires are caused by unattended children near fires. Teaching
them the ways of nature could make all of the difference.

Wildfires are an unfortunate occurrence but they can be prevented. Learn the rules of the area
in which you are camping in and make sure you are following them explicitly. They are
extremely dangerous and cause quite a bit of dangerous to our land and the habitat of many
creatures. Following the rules could save the lives and homes of many people and blessed
creatures that are on this earth. Humans are the number one cause of wildfires and can be the
number one solution as well. Be the solution and know the rules.

This Paper was made by:

1. Arfeminsantya Arofa Iydaini

2. Agung Ayu Gayatri Devi
3. Dien Azmi Muhammad
4. Achmad Rico Allan Bachtiar
5. Aufazzaki Assadillah