Before Watching
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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?
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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
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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?
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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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