07/06/2026
Here is a prime example of how landscape fire started in the eastern states during the growing season. Yes, we admit that most summer storms do not start fires because they are usually accompanied by enough rain to prevent ignition. However, roll back a few hundred years and imagine that the trees are spaced apart in open, grassy woodlands mixed with pockets of treeless prairie. The only "dark forests" are along streams and north facing slopes. Lightning strikes a single tree on top of the hill, hollowed out from the last fire. The fire continues to smolder and burn inside the tree, completely protected from the rain. 2 days later, the wind begins to blow and the relative humidity drops to 40% at 92 degrees. Last seasons grasses and wildflower stems are crisp and dry when the ember flies a few feet into the sunny meadow. If you don't think that our forests, woodlands, and prairies were shaped by fire for thousands of years, then you need to see a professional to get your imagination levels checked.
