Understanding the Role of Small Airborne Embers in Wildfire Spread
National FILE – Embers are blown off a burning tree as the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury, File)A person tries to hose down embers from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles has been engulfed in a series of deadly fires, leaving at least 24 people dead and over 12,000 structures destroyed since last Tuesday. While the cause of these devastating fires remains unknown, one thing is clear: embers have played a significant role in the rapid spread of flames. Strong winds not only intensify the burning process by providing more oxygen but also carry these small airborne embers to untouched areas, igniting new fires in their wake. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always the towering flames that destroy homes during wildfires, but rather these tiny fiery fragments known as embers.
What is an ember?
Embers, also referred to as firebrands, are essentially burning debris that can vary in size from minuscule particles to larger chunks. According to James Urban, an expert in fire protection engineering, in wildland fires, embers are typically pieces of wood or vegetation that have caught fire. However, in urban areas, these embers can take various forms, including fragments of houses, vegetation, or any combustible material. Once airborne, these embers pose a significant threat due to their ability to travel long distances and ignite new fires upon landing.
What are embers capable of?
Anne Cope, a chief engineer at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, emphasizes the destructive potential of wildfire embers. Unlike the embers from a campfire that most people are familiar with, those involved in wildfires are far more dangerous. They can be carried for miles by the wind, often inundating nearby neighborhoods with a barrage of embers. The wind not only helps these embers burn hotter and longer but also allows them to accumulate in vulnerable areas, such as wooden fences or shrubbery, where they can spark new fires and further fuel the blaze.
How are researchers studying embers?
Researchers from institutions like San José State University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute are delving into the science of embers to better understand how they contribute to wildfire spread. Through funding from organizations like the U.S. Forest Service and National Science Foundation, these researchers are studying the production of firebrands and how this knowledge can be used to create models for predicting wildfire behavior and implementing protective measures for homes. By conducting experiments on vegetation management around buildings, experts hope to develop strategies that can mitigate the impact of embers and improve overall wildfire preparedness.
As we witness the devastating impact of wildfires fueled by airborne embers, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of ongoing research and preparedness efforts in combating these natural disasters. By gaining a deeper understanding of embers and their role in wildfire spread, we can work towards creating a safer environment for communities at risk of such catastrophic events. Let’s stay informed, stay vigilant, and support initiatives that aim to enhance our resilience in the face of wildfires.