The second cause is one that can be prevented in most cases but can never be predicted. Just a simple, peaceful campfire in a campground, not properly tended to, can lead to a major wildfire especially in fire prone areas. Arson, whether intentional or accidental, is a major problem in the Western states, especially California. Types When dealing with the different kinds of wildfire that occurs, firefighters refer to them as a code or types of fire. These travel at high but are easy to control, mainly because there are no convection currents to deal with.
Crown fires come in two types.
A dependant crown fire happens when heat and embers from surface fires ignite the tops of adjacent trees. These tend to occur when winds are low and trees are spaced far apart. Running crown fires are a firefighters worst nightmare. They burn extremely hot, travel rapidly and can change direction quickly. Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of a running crown fire are the convection currents, producing massive firestorms and tornados that can send embers well ahead of the main fire front, creating spot fires that in turn can start new fires in another direction.