Satellite data taken by NASA since 2002 has revealed Africa as the world’s most fiery continent.
NASA used two satellites equipped with Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments to analyse the number and location of fires around the world.
The hope is that the data will help scientists to learn how fires affect the planet on local, regional and global scales.
Yaro Hylepanduwa, an environmental scientist from the National Space and Research Development Agency (NASRDA) in Nigeria, pointed out that fire is the oldest method used to clear land for farming, amongst other uses, and it is still widely practiced in Africa.
Areas of high fire dependence are known to experience adverse effects on the environment and the smoke produced can be harmful to human health, Mr Hylepanduwa said. “It is a threat to biodiversity, natural resources like vegetation, water, air and human health.”
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoke from wildfires affects both older adults and young children. It can irritate the respiratory system, hurt eyes and worsen chronic heart and lung disease.
As Mr Hylepanduwa explained, “wildfires are usually a natural occurrence and of great importance to the ecosystem functions of Africa. Many tree species have evolved to take advantage of fire, and periodic burns can contribute to overall forest health. After a fire burns down a swathe of woodland, a sequence of ecological responses, or succession, begins.
“With suppression of fires, large amounts of underbrush accumulate on the forest floor, certain tree species cannot regenerate and trees that do flourish become densely packed. Within this forest structure, the number of fires continues to increase, getting larger and gaining intensity. This has become increasingly dangerous as urban and suburban areas encroach on forest spaces.”
Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center