What impact does steep terrain have on wildfire behavior?

Steep terrain significantly influences wildfire behavior, primarily by increasing fire intensity. When wildfires occur on steep slopes, the flames tend to rise more rapidly, leading to a phenomenon known as the "chimney effect," where hot air and embers swiftly ascend along the slope, enhancing the rate of fire spread and intensity. The combination of increased heat and the upward movement creates conditions that can lead to more aggressive fire behavior.

Additionally, steep slopes may contribute to the preheating of the fuel above the fire, allowing flames to consume more material due to the concentrated heat. This elevation gradient thus magnifies the potential for extreme conditions, such as faster rates of spread and higher fire intensity compared to flatter terrain, where fire behavior is often more moderate.

While vegetation types can influence fire spread and intensity, and flat terrain might slow down fire movement, the defining feature of steep terrain is its ability to amplify the energy of the fire, making it a critical factor in wildfire behavior analysis.