Topic Explanation Natural fires occur in many locations across the United States and can happen any day. These fires occur primarily in the west. Some of my relatives live there and may be in danger near fires. Even though there is a much smaller chance of a fire breaking out in Maryland, people would still be affected if just one natural fire were to break out. These effects can be costly for people and can also be a long-term effect. For example, the fire could increase the risk of flooding, debris flows and landslides; smoke and other fire emissions contain pollutants that can cause health problems; destruction of natural habitats and our communities (“Wildfire Risks: A National Threat,” 2006). Nationally, the same effects could occur with every wildfire, and the government spends billions of dollars to stop wildfires (“Wildfire Hazards—a National Threat,” 2006). When billions of dollars are spent, the government can go into debt, which is not the way to go. Globally, all these things are the result of natural fires in all countries. Fires must be stopped so that people and wildlife habitats are not in danger. Description Natural fires are generally uncontrollable fires and can be fueled by weather conditions, wind and dry undergrowth. They can also burn acres upon acres of land at a time. Wildfires destroy 4 to 5 million acres a year in the United States alone. They can move up to speeds of 14 miles per hour, which would imply the destruction they can produce. They can consume everything, such as trees, bushes, houses, and sometimes humans (“Wildfires,” n.d.). The grizzly bear is an animal that is affected by the consequences of a fire, both positively and negatively... middle of paper... in fire. Charcoal is able to counteract the loss of some nutrients and water thanks to its absorbent properties. Overall, soils become more basic (higher pH) following fires due to acidic burning. By promoting new chemical reactions at high temperatures, fire can even alter soil texture and structure by affecting clay content and soil porosity. Release the cited Works data. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.landfire.gov/datareleases.phpFire Hazards: A National Threat. (2006, February). Retrieved from http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3015/2006-3015.pdf http://www.coloradofirecamp.com/congressional_research/forest-fire-wildfire-effects.htm http://wildland- fires.findthedata.org/ http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/wildfires/http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/grizzly/wildfire&bears.pdf