Which weather conditions can exacerbate a fire's intensity?

High winds and low humidity create conditions that can significantly exacerbate a fire's intensity.

When wind speeds increase, they can carry hot embers and flames to new areas, facilitating the spread of fire more rapidly across landscapes. The wind can also supply additional oxygen, a crucial element for combustion, which can intensify the flames. Low humidity, on the other hand, indicates that the air is dry, which can lower the moisture content of vegetation and surfaces, making them more susceptible to ignition. Dry conditions allow fires to ignite more easily and spread more quickly because there is less moisture to inhibit the combustion process.

In contrast, high humidity and low temperatures, cool temperatures with thick cloud cover, and calm winds coupled with high moisture generally create more stable atmospheric conditions that are less conducive to fire spread and intensity. High humidity adds moisture to the air, which can help reduce the likelihood of ignition and the intensity of flames, while calm winds limit the movement and spread of fire.