WILDFIRES: ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Wildfires may contaminate water for prolonged periods of times, whether that be a few years or decades. The ash resulting from wildfires can settle on water surfaces and soil, which rainstorms can then carry downstream to bodies of water, triggering algal blooms and harming aquatic life.

Moreover, wildfires can cause soil erosion, leading to more sediment and pollutants flowing into rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, in addition to emitting carbon monoxide or various other pollutants that can be harmful to animal health.

Habitat loss is another issue stemming from wildfires, since native vegetation and habitats may be destroyed in the fires.