Wildfires are also referred to as forest fire, bush fire, vegetation fire or wildland fire. It is a fire in natural areas such as forest or prairie. Wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that spreads quickly in combustible vegetation and consumes thick forests. It causes massive damage to property, wilderness areas, and lives. It burns the habitat of the endangered animals.

Wildfires are prevalent in summers and droughts when fallen leaves and branches accumulate and become flammable. The major natural causes of wildfire are volcanic eruption, lightning, spontaneous combustion and sparks from rockfalls. Wildfires can also occur due to the accumulation of grass, leaves, and twigs in a pile which creates heat that ignites the surrounding area. Human carelessness also leads to wildfires which include campfires, discarding lit cigarettes, arson, fireworks, etc.

Wildfires exist on every continent except Antarctica. Wildfires affect most areas of U.S.and Canada including Arizona, Florida, Colorado, California, New Mexico, Washington, and Nevada. The vegetated areas of Australia and the Western Cape of South Africa are also prone to wildfires. They are common in scrublands and grasslands.

There are four different kinds of wildfires: ground fires, surface fires, crown fires, and mass fires. Ground fires usually start by lightning and burn on below the forest floor through the root system. Nearly 10-20% of lightning that strikes the earth causes fire. Surface fires usually move slowly along the forest floor damaging the vegetation. Crown fires open out by wind moving along the tops of trees. They produce firestorms and tornados. Mass fires are large and destructive which spread by strong winds that transfer burning debris.

Wildfires are sometimes beneficial in wilderness areas. Wildfires play a vital role in nature. They restore nutrients in the soil by burning dead and decaying matter. They help in removing disease-ridden plants and harmful insects from the forest ecosystem thus acting as a disinfectant. Wildfires burn thick canopies and brushy undergrowth and allow sunlight to reach the forest floor. It also helps in forest rejuvenation.

The wildfires are put off by firefighters who use the tool known as pulaski to extinguish the fire. If the fire is massive, then planes and helicopters drop water and chemicals known as sky Jell-O that overpowers the fire.