Where do forest fires occur?

Forest fires can happen anywhere, but more often occur in the wooded areas of Canada and the U.S. Sometimes, wild fires occur in Australia and the Western Cape in South Africa.

Forest fires typically occur in areas that suffer from extended periods of hot, dry weather. They usually begin in the summer or fall, and occur when branches dry out and fall from trees, becoming highly flammable. At that point, anything from human carelessness to lightning or volcanic activity can cause a forest fire. Once a fire has begun, wind and continuously dry conditions spread the fire, rapidly leading to forest destruction and a threat to homes and business in the area.