Studies have found that extreme heat and dry weather are major factors in the occurrence of forest fires. For a fire to start, three conditions must be met - combustibles, a fire source, and a fire environment.

High temperatures create an environment conducive to fires, with an abundance of combustible materials in the forest.

Sustained high temperatures make it difficult to disperse the layer of dead branches and leaves, increasing the likelihood of a fire once it encounters a fire source.

In addition, due to the uneven distribution of temperature and precipitation in China, surface fires can cause vegetation to be baked to the burning threshold, leading to larger areas of fire with greater intensity.

Forest fires have recently been ravaging parts of China. On April 11, a forest fire broke out in Yuxi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air. Over 3,000 people joined in the firefighting efforts, with the help of fire engines and helicopters. Fortunately, no casualties were reported and all residents in the nearby areas were evacuated to safety.

The National Forest and Grassland Fire Prevention and Fighting Command issued a red alert, the highest level for forest fire risks in southwestern Sichuan Province, on April 14.

Studies have found that extreme heat and dry weather are major factors in the occurrence of forest fires.

High temperatures create an environment conducive to fires, with an abundance of combustible materials in the forest. Sustained high temperatures make it difficult to disperse the layer of dead branches and leaves, increasing the likelihood of a fire once it encounters a fire source.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)