Over the past few days, we've been seeing news reports about the wildfires in Galicia caused by humans. Most of these fires were intentionally set, which is causing concern both environmentally and socially.
We know that forest fires have negative consequences for forests, humans, resources, and the economy. Furthermore, the CO2 emissions released during a fire contribute to the greenhouse effect and, therefore, to climate change. However, do we know the different types of fires and the appropriate terminology to use when referring to the entities and situations involved?
Key concepts and definitions on wildfires
When we are faced with news about forest fires, it is common to find errors or inconsistencies in the use of vocabulary. Below, we will clarify some of the most frequently used terms.
Arsonist vs. Pyromaniac
To refer to the person who starts a fire, some news outlets use the term "pyromaniac ," which is incorrect in most cases. A pyromaniac is a person who suffers from a psychiatric disorder and derives pleasure from starting fires and observing their aftermath. These individuals are usually under medical treatment.
However, in most intentionally set forest fires, the perpetrators are arsonists . Arsonists are individuals who deliberately start fires, whether for profit, revenge, or out of sheer malice. Therefore, many of those arrested for arson in Galicia are arsonists, not pyromaniacs.
Arson vs. deliberate arson
It's important to distinguish between an arson fire and an arson fire . When we say a fire has been arson, we're using a much broader term. An arson fire can be started by numerous causes: a spark, burning stubble, lightning, among others. In contrast, an arson fire is one deliberately started by a person with the purpose of causing harm.
Fire controlled and stabilized
Another common mistake is confusing the terms controlled fire and stabilized fire . A controlled fire is one whose advance has been stopped and contained, even if some flames are still present. A stabilized fire, on the other hand, is one that is contained within established lines, meaning it is no longer expected to spread beyond them.
Classification of forest fires
There are different types of fires depending on how they spread. It is essential to know these categories to better understand the problems and the control techniques that can be used. Here we present the most common ones:
- Surface fire: It burns herbaceous vegetation and superficial scrub without significantly affecting trees.
- Crown fire: It affects the treetops, starting from the lower stratum (scrub) and ascending to the heights.
- Underground fire: They burn dry organic matter and roots in the subsoil. They are difficult to detect and extinguish.
Factors causing forest fires
Forest fires can have different origins, which are grouped into three main categories:
- Natural causes: Mainly lightning, which causes fires to start without human intervention.
- Accidental causes: Fires caused by unintentional human actions, such as controlled burns that get out of control or sparks generated by machinery.
- Intentional causes: Fires deliberately started by people (arsonists).
Key elements of forest fire fighting
To avoid errors in interpreting news about forest fires, it is important to understand the work and strategies involved in preventing and controlling these incidents. Here are some of the most commonly used concepts in firefighting efforts:
- Firewall: They are strips of land cleared of vegetation that help prevent the spread of fire.
- Forest agents: They are responsible for the surveillance, inspection and care of forest areas, as well as collaborating in extinguishing fires.
- Preventive forestry: These are techniques that seek to conserve and improve forest masses, creating discontinuities in the vegetation to prevent the spread of fire.
Common mistakes in fire vocabulary
The media often uses words incorrectly when discussing wildfires. Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Calcinate vs. Carbonize: Calcinate means 'to burn completely', while carbonize means 'to reduce an organic body to charcoal'. The correct way to say is that objects or people have been carbonized, not calcined.
- Propagate vs. Spread: Propagate refers to the expansion of fire, while propagate means 'to spread information'. Fire spreads, not propagates.
- Cash: The word “forces” refers to the group of members of patrols or squads, not to each individual. It is correct to say “the fire department’s personnel” and not “30 fire department personnel.”
With these concepts clear, it will be easier to understand news and information about forest fires, avoiding misunderstandings and common errors that often arise in the media.