Effets de L’Incendie sur L’ecosysteme

Summary

Fire is probably one of the most significant factors influencing the evolution of forest vegetation. This paper reviews fire’s principal environmental impacts, considering the effects noted by various authors and botanists in their work on Mediterranean region forests, and verified by the author’s personal experience.

The soil covering, which plays an important protective role in the forest, is quickly destroyed by fire, resulting in physical and chemical reactions affecting the ground’s water retention, bacteriological balance, fauna, small animal life, etc.

Another immediate impact of fire is the damage or destruction of trees and shrubs.

The profound effects of fire on the ecosystem imply a necessary recovery and reforestation period for the area. Often a fire’s damage forces permanent alteration of the forest’s characteristics.

The consequences of forest fires involve much more than short-term losses. Man, as an integral part of the ecosystem, has an obligation to protect the environment for future generations.