What turns a small ignition into a major wildfire?

In this episode of The Climate Translation, Dr. Mac explores the atmospheric, climatic, and environmental conditions that determine how a wildfire fire behaves after the first spark. Using his own recent experience with wildfire smoke in Northern California as a starting point, he explains how fuel moisture, wind, terrain, and a little-known measurement called vapor pressure deficit can make landscapes more receptive to fire.

The episode also examines why wildfire “cause” is more complicated than it sounds and how climate change and forest management intersect.

CC0 Music from Charles Korpics - I want to Live! (Again)