WILD FIRES

2. Fires that are intentionally set and managed by experts to clear out excess fuel and improve forest health.
5. A chemical process that is essentially the opposite of photosynthesis; it breaks down organic matter to release stored solar energy as heat.
9. The stage of fire with rapid energy release and visible flames.
11. The first phase of a fire where fuel is heated and dried out so that it can eventually catch fire.
14. The process where plants capture sunlight to create energy; wildfires represent the rapid release of this stored energy back into the atmosphere.
16. The actual burning phase where fuel is consumed and energy is released as heat and light.
17. A slow, low-temperature burn without visible flames, often occurring in dense materials.
19. Dangerous, high-intensity fires that spread through the tops (crowns) of trees, often moved quickly by the wind.
21. A primary gas produced and released into the air when organic materials burn.

1. The movement of heat through liquids or gases; in a wildfire, hot air rises and carries heat to new fuel sources.
3. The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which allows a fire to heat up objects without touching them.
4. Fires that burn through low-lying vegetation on the ground, such as grass, shrubs, and fallen branches.
6. Partially decayed plant matter found in wet, boggy areas that can burn slowly for a long time.
7. A long period of dry weather that removes moisture from plants, making them much easier to ignite.
8. A thick layer of air pollution caused by the smoke and gases released during a wildfire.
10. The point when a fire goes out because it has run out of fuel or heat.
12. A part of the pre-ignition phase where fuel loses its moisture and volatile chemicals due to nearby heat.
13. The chemical breakdown of solid fuel into flammable gases caused by high temperatures.
15. Fires that burn underneath the surface in the soil, consuming organic layers like peat or duff.
18. The layer of decomposing organic material, such as pine needles and leaves, found on the forest floor.
20. Any organic material, like trees, grass, or dead leaves, that can burn and provide energy to the fire.