One of the most beautiful seasons is ahead of us – spring. Every day we can observe more and more buds developing on trees and shrubs. The grass is getting greener and bolder. Unfortunately, due to the fires for forests and meadows, this is one of the most difficult periods. They are “filled” with dry, last year’s grass and fallen leaves. A large amount of accumulated, easily flammable material determines a huge fire hazard.
A forest fire is an ecological disaster. The fire changes the microclimate, of which the forest is a regulator. The area previously covered with forest vegetation is deprived of it. The fire, by burning the humus layer of the soil, acidifies it. Water relations change – the soil becomes dried out or waterlogged, and is much more susceptible to erosion.
Usually, the fire completely destroys the forest floor and undergrowth, but often trees also fall victim to it. Plants characteristic of open and dry areas – grasses, pioneer trees, heathers – enter the burned area. The surviving trees are weakened, which increases their susceptibility to attacks by harmful fungi or insects.
The pine shoot moth is one of the most dangerous pests of pine trees. It often attacks trees weakened by fire and finishes them off.
However, the forest is not only the groundcover vegetation and trees and shrubs. It is a place where a multitude of animals live, which stand no chance against fire. People think that large animals – deer, roe deer, wild boars – flee from the fire. However, often the clumsy young ones are forgotten. Scared animals in panic often run straight into the flames. Small animals – moles, hedgehogs, shrews, foxes, badgers, ground-nesting birds and their nests, as well as amphibians and reptiles – are unable to escape the element. Similarly, a whole host of insects living in the litter, ants, bumblebees, or bees. Animals that survive the fire are often burned, weakened, and more prone to disease.
Remember that burning grass brings no benefits to nature, but rather destroys thousands of beings inhabiting meadows and wastelands. Uncontrolled fires on non-forest lands often spread to the forest.
When walking in the forest, remember not to use open fire. When you notice a fire, immediately alert the appropriate services. Thanks to you, it may be possible to extinguish the fire at its inception!
Text: Agnieszka Zawada-Piątkowska, Siewierz Forestry