ELi5 How does forest or grassland catch fire, does it always need a spark or can drying out cause spontaneous combustion?

Question

ELi5 How does forest or grassland catch fire, does it always need a spark or can drying out cause spontaneous combustion?

In: 3

Answer 1

Spontaneous combustion is a thing, but most fires have an ignition source. Cars, smokers, lightning, power lines, and reflections from glass buildings are pretty common.

Drying out is a big problem, particularly for plants that aren’t heat tolerant. They are easier to ignite and burn much better once lit.