Which of the following is a primary cause of forest fires?

The primary cause of forest fires includes both natural and human activities, making lightning strikes and human actions the most significant contributors. Lightning strikes can ignite dry vegetation during thunderstorms, leading to wildfires. Additionally, human activities such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, and arson are substantial factors in the outbreak and spread of forest fires.

Understanding the dynamics of fire ignition helps in forest management and prevention strategies. For instance, during dry conditions, areas with high lightning frequencies or human activity are monitored more closely to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks.

While heavy rainfall generally acts to reduce the risk of fires by increasing moisture in vegetation, invasive species can impact forest health and may indirectly contribute to fire risk by altering the fuel characteristics of the forest. Increasing tree age can lead to denser canopies and more fuel accumulation, but it does not directly ignite fires. Therefore, the interplay of natural and human causes critically underscores the importance of effective forest fire management strategies.