The word fire refers to the natural phenomenon

ØThe word "fire" refers to the natural phenomenon that occurs whenever a combustible fuel comes into contact with oxygen at an extremely high temperature. ØFire is the byproduct of a chemical reaction in which fuel stored in a combustible fuel is converted to a gas. A fire's flame refers to the visual indication of light that occurs once the gas is heated, and is evidence that a fire has taken place. ØThe Fire Triangle was developed by natural scientists as a simple way of understanding the factors of fire. Each side of the triangle represents one of the three ingredients of fire – oxygen, heat, and fuel – demonstrating the interdependence of these ingredients in creating and sustaining fire. Remove any of these three factors from the triangle, and a fire will die.

ØPrescribed Fire refers to the controlled application of fire to wild land ecosystems under specified environmental conditions that help restore health to fire-adapted environments. ØBy reducing hazardous fuel accumulations on the forest floor, encouraging the new growth of native vegetation, and maintaining the many plant and animal species whose habitats depend on periodic fire, prescribed burning helps reduce the catastrophic damage of wildfire on our lands and surrounding communities. ØPrescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have in preventing the outbreak and spread of wildfires. But because prescribed fire is fire, fire management experts must be extremely careful in planning and executing a prescribed fire.

ØFire is one of nature's most essential agents of change, and mankind has often used fire in this capacity. ØThe earliest European settlers to North America recorded native peoples' use of fire for clearing land, hunting and gathering activities, and in warfare. ØBy reintroducing fire into the ecosystem in a controlled setting, we can recreate the effects of natural fire, give balance back to communities that need fire, and prevent the extreme losses of uncontrolled, unwanted wildfire.

ØWhen fire is started by natural causes, determined to be beneficial, and not located in an area of human habitation, it is sometimes allowed to burn naturally, under careful monitoring. Fire managers must have extensive training and years of experience to qualify for the position. ØAirborne firefighters parachute from planes to attack wildfires in remote and inaccessible areas when they first begin. They are often supported by para-cargo drops of personal gear, food, water, and specialized equipment to help suppress blazes. ØHand crews, usually consisting of 20 men and women, serve as the infantry of wild land fire forces. Their main responsibility is to construct a "fire line" – a strip of land cleared of flammable materials – around wildfires to control them.

ØDr. Kome Onokpise ØDr. Dreamal Worthern ØDr. Hank Bass ØMr. Ted Willis ØMr. Earl Hankerson ØMrs. Josie Gaines ØMrs. Connie Newman ØJillian Blair ØChalonda Jasper ØMrs. Annie