Wildfires: What They Are and How to Stay Safe

Written by: Keya Gambhir

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that spreads quickly through forests, grasslands, and other wild areas. Sometimes called a forest fire, grass fire, or bushfire, wildfires can also reach homes, farms, and other places where people live. Wildfires often start quietly, but they can grow fast and destroy trees, plants, and buildings.

Wildfires can begin in many ways. Some are caused by people, by accident, or on purpose. Campfires left unattended, discarded cigarettes, sparks from power lines, or even arson can start a fire. Nature can start fires, too. Lightning, volcanic eruptions, and dry, hot weather can ignite vegetation that has dried out over time. Wildfires are most common in the summer and fall, when it is hot, dry, and there is little rain. Strong winds, like the Santa Ana winds in California, can push flames across the land at incredible speeds, sometimes up to 40 miles in a single day.

Wildfires spread because they have fuel, such as dry trees, leaves, grass, and brush. The more fuel there is, the hotter and faster a fire can grow. Some wildfires are small and burn out quickly. Others can be massive, burning thousands of acres and threatening towns and cities nearby. Firefighters use many tools to fight wildfires, including trucks with water, airplanes, and helicopters that drop water or fire-retardant chemicals, and “smoke jumpers” who parachute into remote fires to help control them.

Wildfires also create smoke, which can affect people’s health. Smoke contains tiny particles called PM2.5 that can get deep into the lungs. Children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still growing. Breathing wildfire smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and eye or throat irritation. Kids with asthma, allergies, or other lung conditions may be even more affected.

How to Protect Children from Wildfire Smoke

The safest way to protect kids during a wildfire is to stay indoors. Check the local Air Quality Index (AQI) using resources like AirNow. Children should avoid outdoor activities when the air is smoky. Masks, even N95s, do not always fit children properly, so staying inside is more effective.

Keeping indoor air clean is important. Central air systems should run on “recirculate” with high-efficiency filters. Window air conditioners should have the outdoor air intake closed, and portable air cleaners with HEPA filters can help remove particles. Creating a “clean air room” where windows and doors remain closed gives kids a safe space to play or sleep. Avoid indoor activities that create smoke or dust, like cooking on a stove, burning candles, or sweeping.

Why Wildfires Matter

Wildfires are more than just dangerous flames; they are part of the natural cycle in some forests, helping to clear old plants and make room for new growth. But human activity and climate change are making wildfires bigger and more destructive. Hotter temperatures, droughts, and strong winds increase the chances of a fire spreading quickly. When wildfires get out of control, they can destroy homes, harm animals, and affect people far from the fire itself through smoke and ash.

By learning what wildfires are, how they start, and how to stay safe during them, children and families can reduce risks and protect their health. Wildfires are a natural phenomenon, but understanding them helps us stay safe while firefighters work to control the flames and protect communities.

Wildfires are powerful and dangerous, but knowledge is one of the best tools we have. Staying inside during smoke, keeping air clean, and following safety rules ensure that kids stay healthy, even when nature is burning nearby.