Friend or Foe: Understanding Forest Fires

Questions: 5

Grade: 4

Words: 129

Text

Text & Questions

Text, Questions & Answers

Did you know that sometimes a forest can catch fire?! It's true! Forest fires happen when a large area of woodland blazes up. This can be caused by things like lightning, or even by people who aren't careful. Forest fires can be both good and bad. They can help clean the forest floor by burning up dead trees. This helps new plants to grow. But, they can also be harmful, destroying homes of animals and polluting the air. To control these fires, brave firefighters create 'fire breaks'. These are spaces without trees that can stop a fire from spreading. Remember, when we are in a forest, we should always be careful not to start a fire. So, never leave a campfire alone and always dispose of your trash properly!

Question 1

What is a 'fire break' in the context of a forest fire?

A tool used to put out the fire

A break firefighters take

Spaces without trees that can stop a fire from spreading

Explanation. In the context of a forest fire, a 'fire break' is a gap in vegetation or other combustible material that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a wildfire or forest fire.

A safety measure taken by animals

A type of fire extinguisher

Question 2

What can cause forest fires?

Lightning only

People being careless only

Animals

Lightning and careless people

Explanation. Forest fires can be caused by natural phenomena like Lightning, or by human activities like being careless with fire in the forest.

Rain

Question 3

What is one of the positive effects of a forest fire?

It destroys animal homes

It pollutes the air

It helps in the growth of new plants

Explanation. Forest fires can help clean the forest floor by burning up dead trees. This process helps new plants to grow.

It makes the forest look scary

It makes camping dangerous

Question 4

What is one of the negative effects of forest fires?

It helps new plants grow

It clears the forest floor

It destroys the homes of animals

Explanation. Forest fires can be harmful as they destroy homes of animals and disrupt their habitats.

It makes the forest look pretty

It helps in camping

Question 5

Is it true or false that we should always be careful not to start a fire in a forest?

True

Explanation. It is always important to be careful not to start a fire in a forest regardless of the location or season. This is to prevent forest fires and protect the forest and its inhabitants.