Climate change will influence a number of natural disturbances that threaten forest health. These include insect outbreaks, invasive species, wildfires, and storms. Some disturbances, like a wildfire, take place quickly.
Forest fire are large, uncontrolled and potentially destructive fires that can affect both rural and urban areas. They can spread quickly, change direction and even ‘jump’ across large distances when embers and sparks are carried by the wind.
The wind spreads the fire rapidly, causing significant air pollution. Generally, fires that continue for longer or are highly inflammable are caused by climatic changes.