How are embers generated during a wildfire?

Embers during a wildfire are primarily generated when conifer trees are consumed by the fire. When these trees burn, they can release small, fiery particles known as embers into the air due to the intense heat and combustion process. These embers can then be carried by wind, sometimes for considerable distances away from the main fire front, which poses a significant risk for igniting new fires in other locations.

The type of vegetation, particularly conifer trees, is significant because they often contain volatile resins that burn fiercely and create more embers. This characteristic makes them a major contributor to fire spread and the generation of airborne embers.

While grass and leaves do contribute to the overall fire dynamics and can produce embers, they are generally less impactful on ember generation compared to larger, more resinous trees. Wind-driven flames typically refer to how flames can spread and are influenced by wind direction and speed but do not directly produce embers. Burning structures, such as wooden decks, can also create embers, but they are not the primary source when considering the overall wildfire behavior, which is largely influenced by the combustion of natural vegetation like coniferous trees.