Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

On which slopes do fires tend to start and grow larger, particularly in hotter, drier conditions?

1. Eastern

2. Western

3. Southern

4. Northern

The correct answer is: Southern

Fires tend to start and grow larger on southern slopes, especially in hotter, drier conditions. This phenomenon occurs because southern slopes receive more direct sunlight throughout the day compared to other orientations. The increased sunlight leads to higher temperatures and lower moisture levels in the vegetation, creating an environment that is more conducive to ignition and fire spread. In areas with abundant sun exposure, the vegetation is often drier and more cured, which also contributes to the fire's intensity and growth potential. In contrast, northern slopes receive less sunlight, resulting in more moisture retention and cooler temperatures, which makes them less prone to fires. Eastern and western slopes can also vary depending on the local climate and geographic features, but southern exposures are generally recognized as the most fire-prone during hot and dry conditions.