Before Watching
Ask students what kind of fires they have seen or heard about. Have students brainstorm the similarities and differences between a structural fire and a wildland fire. What skills are necessary for firefighters in each setting? What equipment is necessary? Discuss with students why and when wildland fires might
be beneficial or detrimental. What are some reasons for letting a wildfire burn uncontrolled? Why would firefighters want
to stop it? What reasons might there be to burn areas in
a controlled manner? What are the disadvantages of setting
controlled fires?
The Fire Triangle
A fire cannot exist without heat, fuel, and oxygen. Managing one or more of those elements
helps firefighters contain an unwanted fire or guide a prescribed fire.
After Watching
Have students consider what they think about prescribed burning. Who or what is affected by it? Do students agree
or disagree with the use of prescribed burning? Under what conditions would students propose a prescribed burn? What factors would be important to consider? Tragic events such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the World Trade Center attacks have highlighted the heroic roles
of urban firefighters. Do students consider wildland firefighters heroes? Why or why not?
Fire Wars Special Section
This special section accompanies the two hours of the NOVA program, "Fire Wars."
Teacher Demonstrations
Student Activities: Where Growth Meets Growth
Student Activities: Fire Season Statistics
Activity Answers
Resources
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