While it has meant sweltering days for most of us, away from the cities this has translated into more dangerous side effects — especially an uptick in wildfires. And once the spark is lit, it spreads quickly as ground fire (fuelled by undergrowth and bushes) and crown fire (which spreads from tree top to tree top). “It’s hard to gauge how quickly wildfires can move because they create localised wind turbulence, as hot and cold air currents mix. This then fans the flames forward.”As we enter peak fire season, the Magazine investigates what’s happening on-ground across the country. The Nilgiris on high alert | Praying for rain in Uttarakhand | Exploding bamboo in Karnataka | Kodaikanal’s big blaze

Source: The Hindu May 17, 2024 14:48 UTC