It is important to note that wild res are often started by humans. The National Park Service says as many as 90 percent of wildland res in the United States are caused by negligence — whether it’s discarded cigarette butts or camp res left unattended. Some are intentional acts of arson. Nature also may be responsible, with lighting strikes causing torching of parched plants and trees. When combined with the perfect conditions, which can include dry weather, drought and strong winds, a mere spark can develop into a months-long blaze.
The NPS has wildland re managers who constantly assess the threat of human-caused res and the threat of wildland res to humans. Assessments are made as to whether the wild re should be left to run its course (in rural areas) or if it needs to be contained and extinguished in a human-dominated landscape.
