Weather Whys; Lightning Fires

This is weather-wise. When lightning strikes in a forest, it can spark a fire that can devastate hundreds or thousands of acres of woodlands, and yet the authorities may just let it burn. Because even though the fire kills animals and plants and leaves a huge black scar across the countryside, it also does some good. For one thing, the char left behind by a fire often creates a better growing environment for newly emerging plants. The ash can serve as an enriching fertilizer for depleted soil. Fire can also clear away brush and debris leaving space for new green plants to grow. Like a wildfire, the debate has raged for years. Many authorities believe it's better to let some natural fires burn, like those caused by lightning. But they work to put out those caused by human carelessness or arson. Nationwide, fires caused by humans account for about 90% of the forest fires each year.

The remaining 10% only do a fraction of the damage, but the question arises as to how far those fires should be allowed to go. Many people are distressed that a natural fire should be allowed to threaten, say, a national landmark, such as Yosemite Park, and many small animals are killed or driven far from their homes by wildfire, sometimes they turn up starving near human homes. Whether or not to let lightning fires burn is a complex issue and will probably not be solved soon. In the meantime, as long as there's lightning on a warm summer day, smoke plumes will occasionally rise from the mountains and begin the cycle new. I'd like to know what you think about Weatherwise. Please write to us at KGOURadio, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019. For Weatherwise, I'm Drew Barlow.