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The vortex from wing tips can strike the ground with velocities up to what speed, affecting fire behavior?
15 MPH
20 MPH
25 MPH
30 MPH
The correct answer is: 25 MPH
The vortex created by wing tips has significant implications for fire behavior, particularly in a firefighting context. When aircraft are in flight, the shape of the wings generates vortices that spiral off the tips. These vortices can descend rapidly towards the ground, and research indicates that they can hit the ground at velocities reaching up to 25 MPH. When these vortices strike the ground, they can create changes in wind patterns that may influence the spread and intensity of a fire. This can be particularly critical when considering aerial firefighting tactics, as the way the airflow interacts with the surrounding environment can either help control or exacerbate fire conditions. By recognizing this speed, firefighters can better understand how aerial operations may impact the fire behavior on the ground, allowing for improved strategic planning and execution of firefighting efforts.