Editing Wildfire (section)

== Suppression ==
{{Main|Wildfire suppression}}

{{See also|Firefighting}}
[[File:RIAN archive 733844 Forest fires ravaging near Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant.jpg|thumb|A Russian firefighter extinguishing a wildfire]]
Wildfire suppression depends on the technologies available in the area in which the wildfire occurs. In less developed nations the techniques used can be as simple as throwing sand or beating the fire with sticks or palm fronds.<ref>Karki, 16</ref> In more advanced nations, the suppression methods vary due to increased technological capacity. [[Silver iodide]] can be used to encourage snow fall,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/china-makes-snow-to-extinguish-forest-fire |title=China Makes Snow to Extinguish Forest Fire |publisher=FOXNews.com |access-date=10 July 2009 |date=18 May 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813173448/http://origin.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195969,00.html |archive-date=13 August 2009 }}</ref> while [[fire retardant]]s and water can be dropped onto fires by [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s, [[airtanker|planes]], and [[helitack|helicopters]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geo.arc.nasa.gov/sge/WRAP//projects/docs/ISRSE_PAPER_2003.PDF |access-date=21 July 2009 |title=Disaster Management Applications – Fire |first=Vincent G. |last=Ambrosia |publisher=NASA-Ames Research Center |date=2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724081427/http://geo.arc.nasa.gov/sge/WRAP/projects/docs/ISRSE_PAPER_2003.PDF |archive-date=24 July 2009 }}</ref><ref>Plucinski, ''et al.'', 6</ref> Complete fire suppression is no longer an expectation, but the majority of wildfires are often extinguished before they grow out of control. While more than 99% of the 10,000 new wildfires each year are contained, escaped wildfires under extreme weather conditions are difficult to suppress without a change in the weather. Wildfires in Canada and the US burn an average of {{convert|54500|km2|acre|sigfig=2|sp=us}} per year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/fighting-fire-in-the-forest-1.863449 |title=Fighting fire in the forest |publisher=CBS News |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=26 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619212242/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/06/17/f-forest-fires.html |archive-date=19 June 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/?report=fire&year=2008&month=13 | title = Climate of 2008 Wildfire Season Summary | publisher = National Climatic Data Center | date = 11 December 2008 | access-date = 7 January 2009 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151023095354/http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/?report=fire&year=2008&month=13 | archive-date = 23 October 2015 }}</ref>

Above all, fighting wildfires can become deadly. A wildfire's burning front may also change direction unexpectedly and jump across fire breaks. Intense heat and smoke can lead to disorientation and loss of appreciation of the direction of the fire, which can make fires particularly dangerous. For example, during the 1949 [[Mann Gulch fire]] in [[Montana]], United States, thirteen [[smokejumper]]s died when they lost their communication links, became disoriented, and were overtaken by the fire.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr299/ | title = General Technical Report INT-GTR-299 – Mann Gulch Fire: A Race That Couldn't Be Won | publisher = United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station | date = May 1993 | last = Rothermel | first = Richard C. | access-date = 26 June 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090813122911/http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr299/ | archive-date = 13 August 2009 }}</ref> In the Australian [[February 2009 Victorian bushfires]], at least 173 people died and over 2,029 homes and 3,500 structures were lost when they became engulfed by wildfire.<ref name="homeslost">{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20090313005|title=Victorian Bushfires|date=13 March 2009|publisher=New South Wales Government|work=Parliament of New South Wales|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227231203/http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20090313005|archive-date=27 February 2010}}</ref>

=== Costs of wildfire suppression ===
The suppression of wild fires takes up a large amount of a country's [[gross domestic product]] which directly affects the country's economy.<ref name="ellison">{{cite journal|last=Ellison|first=A|author2=Evers, C.|author3=Moseley, C.|author4=Nielsen-Pincus, M.|year=2012|title=Forest service spending on large wildfires in the West|url=http://ewp.uoregon.edu/sites/ewp.uoregon.edu/files/WP_41.pdf|journal=Ecosystem Workforce Program|volume=41|pages=1–16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123131143/http://ewp.uoregon.edu/sites/ewp.uoregon.edu/files/WP_41.pdf |archive-date=23 November 2020 }}</ref> While costs vary wildly from year to year, depending on the severity of each fire season, in the United States, local, state, federal and tribal agencies collectively spend tens of billions of dollars annually to suppress wildfires. In the United States, it was reported that approximately $6 billion was spent between 2004–2008 to suppress wildfires in the country.<ref name="ellison" /> In California, the [[United States Forest Service|U.S. Forest Service]] spends about $200 million per year to suppress 98% of wildfires and up to $1 billion to suppress the other 2% of fires that escape initial attack and become large.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Region 5 – Land & Resource Management|url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5412095|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823005834/http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5412095|archive-date=23 August 2016|access-date=22 August 2016|website=US Forest Service }}</ref>

=== Wildland firefighting safety ===
[[File:Wildland Firefighter.jpg|thumb|upright|Wildland firefighter working a brush fire in [[Hopkinton, New Hampshire|Hopkinton]], New Hampshire, US]]
Wildland fire fighters face several life-threatening hazards including [[heat stress]], [[fatigue (safety)|fatigue]], [[smoke]] and [[dust]], as well as the risk of other injuries such as [[burn]]s, [[wound|cuts]] and [[Abrasion (medical)|scrapes]], [[animal bites]], and even [[rhabdomyolysis]].<ref name="niosh-blog">{{cite web|title=Wildland Fire Fighting Safety and Health|url=http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/07/wildlandfire/|work=NIOSH Science Blog|publisher=National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health|access-date=6 August 2012|first=Corey|last=Campbell|author2=Liz Dalsey|date=13 July 2012 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809023909/http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/07/wildlandfire/|archive-date=9 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Hot Tips from NIOSH">{{cite web|title=Wildland Fire Fighting: Hot Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy|url=https://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/docs/2013-158/pdfs/2013-158.pdf|publisher=National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health|access-date=21 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322030104/http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/docs/2013-158/pdfs/2013-158.pdf|archive-date=22 March 2014}}</ref> Between 2000 and 2016, more than 350&nbsp;wildland firefighters died on-duty.<ref name="NIOSH Wildland Firefighting default page">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/firefighting/default.html |title=CDC – Fighting Wildfires – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic |date=31 May 2018 |website=www.cdc.gov |publisher=[[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]] |language=en-us |access-date=27 November 2018 |quote=Between 2000–2016, based on data compiled in the NIOSH Wildland Fire Fighter On-Duty Death Surveillance System from three data sources, over 350 on-duty WFF fatalities occurred. |archive-date=25 October 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041025232542/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/firefighting/default.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Especially in hot weather conditions, fires present the risk of heat stress, which can entail feeling heat, fatigue, weakness, vertigo, headache, or nausea. Heat stress can progress into heat strain, which entails physiological changes such as increased heart rate and core body temperature. This can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat rash, cramps, exhaustion or [[heat stroke]]. Various factors can contribute to the risks posed by heat stress, including strenuous work, personal risk factors such as age and [[Physical fitness|fitness]], dehydration, sleep deprivation, and burdensome [[personal protective equipment]]. Rest, cool water, and occasional breaks are crucial to mitigating the effects of heat stress.<ref name="niosh-blog" />

Smoke, ash, and debris can also pose serious respiratory hazards for wildland firefighters. The smoke and dust from wildfires can contain gases such as [[carbon monoxide]], [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[formaldehyde]], as well as [[Atmospheric particulate matter|particulates]] such as [[Wood ash|ash]] and [[silica]]. To reduce smoke exposure, wildfire fighting crews should, whenever possible, rotate firefighters through areas of heavy smoke, avoid downwind firefighting, use equipment rather than people in holding areas, and minimize mop-up. Camps and command posts should also be located upwind of wildfires. Protective clothing and equipment can also help minimize exposure to smoke and ash.<ref name="niosh-blog" />

Firefighters are also at risk of cardiac events including strokes and heart attacks. Firefighters should maintain good physical fitness. Fitness programs, medical screening and examination programs which include stress tests can minimize the risks of firefighting cardiac problems.<ref name="niosh-blog" /> Other injury hazards wildland firefighters face include slips, trips, falls, burns, scrapes, and cuts from tools and equipment, being struck by trees, vehicles, or other objects, plant hazards such as thorns and poison ivy, snake and animal bites, vehicle crashes, electrocution from power lines or lightning storms, and unstable building structures.<ref name="niosh-blog" />

=== Fire retardants ===
{{Main article|Fire retardant}}
Fire retardants are used to slow wildfires by inhibiting combustion. They are aqueous solutions of ammonium phosphates and ammonium sulfates, as well as thickening agents.<ref>{{cite journal |author=A. Agueda |author2=E. Pastor |author3=E. Planas |year=2008|title=Different scales for studying the effectiveness of long-term forest fire retardants|journal=Progress in Energy and Combustion Science|volume=24|issue=6|pages=782–796|doi=10.1016/j.pecs.2008.06.001|bibcode=2008PECS...34..782A }}</ref> The decision to apply retardant depends on the magnitude, location and intensity of the wildfire. In certain instances, fire retardant may also be applied as a precautionary fire defense measure.<ref name="coloradoan.com">{{cite web|author=Magill, B.|title=Officials: Fire slurry poses little threat|work=Coloradoan.com|url=http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20120706/NEWS01/307060035/Officials-Fire-slurry-poses-little-threat}}</ref>

Typical fire retardants contain the same agents as fertilizers. Fire retardants may also affect water quality through leaching, [[eutrophication]], or misapplication. Fire retardant's effects on drinking water remain inconclusive.<ref name="minesnewsroom.com">{{cite web |author=Boerner, C. |author2=Coday B. |author3=Noble, J. |author4=Roa, P. |author5=Roux V. |author6=Rucker K. |author7=Wing, A. |year=2012 |title=Impact of wildfire in Clear Creek Watershed of the city of Golden's drinking water supply |publisher=Colorado School of Mines |url=http://minesnewsroom.com/sites/default/files/wysiwyg-editor/Impacts%20of%20wildfire%20on%20Golden%27s%20drinking%20water-1.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112021046/http://minesnewsroom.com/sites/default/files/wysiwyg-editor/Impacts%20of%20wildfire%20on%20Golden%27s%20drinking%20water-1.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2012 }}</ref> Dilution factors, including water body size, rainfall, and water flow rates lessen the concentration and potency of fire retardant.<ref name="coloradoan.com" /> Wildfire debris (ash and sediment) clog rivers and reservoirs increasing the risk for floods and erosion that ultimately slow and/or damage water treatment systems.<ref name="minesnewsroom.com" /><ref>{{cite web|author=Eichenseher, T.|year=2012|title=Colorado Wildfires Threaten Water Supplies|work=National Geographic Daily News|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120703/colorado-wildfires-waldo-high-park-hayman-threaten-water-supplies/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710084010/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120703/colorado-wildfires-waldo-high-park-hayman-threaten-water-supplies/|archive-date=10 July 2012}}</ref> There is continued concern of fire retardant effects on land, water, wildlife habitats, and watershed quality, additional research is needed. However, on the positive side, fire retardant (specifically its nitrogen and phosphorus components) has been shown to have a fertilizing effect on nutrient-deprived soils and thus creates a temporary increase in vegetation.<ref name="coloradoan.com" />

=== Modeling ===
[[File:Propagation model wildfire (English).svg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=A dark region shaped like a shield with a pointed bottom. An arrow and the text "propagation axis (wind)" indicates a bottom-to-top direction up the body of the shield shape. The shape's pointed bottom is labeled "fire starter". Around the shield shape's top and thinning towards its sides, a yellow-orange region is labeled "left front", "right front", and (at the top) "head of the fire".|Fire Propagation Model]]
[[File:ACTbushfire03.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[2003 Canberra bushfires]], visible from [[Parliament House, Canberra|Parliament House]]]]
{{excerpt|Wildfire modeling|paragraphs=1-2|file=no}}