The winds follow mountain ranges picking up speed and heat as they reach southern California. Ignition of fire is caused either by lightning or human beings. However a fire starts, its behavior depends on vegetation, climate and terrain. In an area covered by dry chaparral, a wildfire quickly covers ground. As the fire s intensity increases, the air above it becomes more and more heated.
Nearby plants dry out.
Steep terrain will let a fire burn quickly uphill. Heat concentrates on the hillside as it rises off the burning brush or trees. The drying and heating of the unburned vegetation happens quicker than on a flat surface. Fire spreads in three ways. Ground fires creep slowly through organic debris on the ground.