Welcome to
Fire in Florida’s
Ecosystems
Presentation #1: Introduction to Fire in Florida
A program of the
Florida Division of Forestry
Implemented by Pandion Systems, Inc.
For more information:
www.fireinflorida.org
Fire in Florida’s Ecosystems
Today’s Lesson:
Introduction to Fire in Florida
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Fire in Human History
Basic Elements of Fire
Fire in Natural Areas
Two Kinds of Fire
Fire in Human History
Fire in Human History
Fire is a mystical and
religious symbol that
has been integrated
into stories and
mythology worldwide.
Like the story of the
Phoenix… do you
remember what
happened?
Human Use of Fire
• Fire was used by
people in Florida long
before modern times.
• How do you think
native people used
fire?
Early Settlers’ Use of Fire
• Early settlers in
Florida used fire on
the land.
• What are some
reasons they may
have used fire? Hint:
think about farming
and hunting.
Basic Elements of Fire
How is a Fire Made?
The Fire Triangle
What are the
three legs of
the fire
triangle?
FIRE
The Fire Triangle
FUEL
FIRE
The Fire Triangle
FUEL
FIRE
OXYGEN
The Fire Triangle
FUEL
HEAT
FIRE
OXYGEN
How Would You Stop a Fire?
Any guesses?
How Would You Stop a Fire?
You would take away one of the legs of
the fire triangle.
Fire in Natural Areas
Fire in Natural Areas
What does “fire in
natural areas” make
you think of?
What are some areas in
Florida that have
natural fires?
What makes fire burn in
natural areas?
Fuels are the
flammable materials
that feed a fire.
What are some fuels
that could be found
in a natural area in
Florida?
Preventing fire in natural areas
It is difficult, but we can put out fires in
natural areas.
Think about the fire triangle elements of
oxygen, heat, and fuel. How could we
prevent a wildfire or stop a wildfire once
it starts?
Two Kinds of Fire
Two Kinds of Fire
Fire in natural areas
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Wildfire
How would you define a wildfire?
Look at the picture and describe what you see.
Prescribed Fire
How would you define a Prescribed Fire?
Look at the picture and describe what you see.
Introduction to Fire in Florida:
Summary Discussion
1. How has fire been used by people in
the past?
2. What are the two types of fire?
3. What are the three legs of the fire
triangle?
4. What are two ways that you can get
rid of dangerous fuels in a forest?