What Is a Zombie Fire? Understanding the Hidden Threat Beneath the Surface

Wildfires are a well-known environmental threat, but some fires continue burning long after they seem to have been extinguished. These underground fires, known as zombie fires, smolder beneath the surface and can reignite when conditions become favorable. They are a growing concern due to their ability to persist for months or even years, contributing to climate change and increasing wildfire risks.

In this blog, we will explore what is a zombie fire, how they start, why they are dangerous, and how they can be prevented and controlled.

Here is what a Zombie Fire are

A zombie fire is a type of wildfire that burns underground in areas rich in organic material such as peatlands and forest floors. Unlike surface wildfires, which are visible and easier to control, zombie fires burn slowly beneath the soil, making them difficult to detect and extinguish.

The term “zombie fire” comes from their ability to “come back to life” after appearing to be put out. These fires can smolder through winter beneath snow-covered ground and reignite when temperatures rise.

How Do Zombie Fires Start?

Zombie fires typically originate from surface wildfires but continue burning underground after the visible flames have disappeared. Several factors contribute to their formation and persistence:

• Peat and Organic-Rich Soil – Peatlands and forest floors contain large amounts of decomposed plant material, which can sustain slow-burning fires for long periods.
• Drought and Dry Conditions – Extended dry periods increase the likelihood of deep-burning fires, as dry soil and vegetation provide ample fuel.
• Human Activities – Campfires, discarded cigarettes, and land clearing can trigger surface fires that develop into zombie fires.
• Lightning Strikes – Lightning can ignite fires that spread underground, where they continue burning even after surface flames are controlled.

Why Are Zombie Fires Dangerous?

Zombie fires pose significant risks to the environment, human health, and climate stability. Their long-lasting nature and ability to reignite make them particularly hazardous.

Difficult to Detect and Control

Since zombie fires burn underground, they do not produce visible flames or large plumes of smoke like regular wildfires. This makes them challenging to detect until they resurface as new fires. Firefighters often rely on satellite imaging, infrared technology, and ground sensors to locate and monitor these fires. However, once a zombie fire is discovered, extinguishing it requires extensive efforts, including flooding the ground with water and digging into the soil to remove smoldering material.

Contribution to Climate Change

Zombie fires release large amounts of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere. Because they burn carbon-rich peat and organic matter, they release stored carbon that has been trapped in the soil for thousands of years. This accelerates global warming and contributes to the increasing frequency of wildfires worldwide.

Reignition of Wildfires

One of the most dangerous aspects of zombie fires is their ability to survive through winter and reignite during dry, warm seasons. When the snow melts and temperatures rise, these underground fires can re-emerge as surface wildfires, leading to new outbreaks and increasing wildfire risks in already vulnerable areas.

Destruction of Ecosystems

Zombie fires can cause long-term damage to ecosystems, particularly in peatlands and boreal forests. Peatlands act as natural carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of carbon. When they burn, they not only release greenhouse gases but also destroy habitats for wildlife. The loss of vegetation can lead to soil erosion, reduced biodiversity, and long-term ecological imbalances.

Health Risks from Smoke and Air Pollution

The smoke from zombie fires contains fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxic pollutants. These substances can have serious health effects, especially for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Communities near zombie fire zones often experience poor air quality, leading to increased hospital visits and long-term health issues.

Where Are Zombie Fires Most Common?

Zombie fires are most frequently found in regions with large peatlands, boreal forests, and organic-rich soils. Some of the most affected areas include:

• The Arctic and Siberia – Rising temperatures and melting permafrost have increased the occurrence of zombie fires in the tundra and boreal forests.
• Alaska and Canada – Northern regions experience zombie fires that smolder beneath the snow and reignite in the spring.
• Indonesia – Peatland fires in tropical areas contribute to severe air pollution and deforestation.
• Amazon Rainforest – Deforestation and land clearing increase the risk of peat fires that persist underground.

How Can Zombie Fires Be Prevented?

Preventing zombie fires requires proactive measures to reduce fire risks and manage fire-prone areas effectively. Here are some key strategies for prevention and control:

Fire Monitoring and Early Detection

Authorities use satellite imagery, thermal cameras, and drones to monitor high-risk areas. Early detection allows for a quicker response to prevent fires from spreading underground. Investing in better fire surveillance technology can help reduce the frequency of zombie fires.

Improved Firefighting Techniques

Zombie fires require specialized firefighting methods. Unlike surface fires, which can be controlled with water drops and firebreaks, zombie fires need a different approach:

• Deep water saturation – Firefighters must flood the affected area with large amounts of water to reach the underground flames.
• Soil excavation – Digging out and removing smoldering organic material can help fully extinguish the fire.
• Creating fire barriers – Firebreaks and controlled burns can prevent underground fires from spreading to new areas.

Reducing Human-Caused Fires

Public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations can help minimize human activities that lead to wildfires. Simple actions such as properly extinguishing campfires, avoiding debris burning, and respecting fire bans can reduce the risk of wildfires that may turn into zombie fires.

Restoring and Protecting Peatlands

Healthy peatlands are less likely to catch fire. Restoration efforts, such as rewetting drained peatlands and protecting existing ones, can reduce the availability of dry organic material that fuels zombie fires. Governments and environmental organizations are working to restore these ecosystems as part of broader climate mitigation efforts.

Addressing Climate Change

The increasing frequency of zombie fires is directly linked to rising global temperatures and prolonged dry seasons. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting sustainable land management practices, and implementing climate-friendly policies can help mitigate the conditions that make zombie fires more common.

Conclusion

Zombie fires are a hidden but significant environmental threat. Their ability to smolder underground for months, contribute to climate change, and reignite as surface wildfires makes them particularly dangerous. While they are difficult to detect and extinguish, improved fire management, early detection, and preventive measures can help reduce their impact.

As climate change continues to alter fire patterns worldwide, understanding zombie fires and taking action to prevent them is crucial for protecting ecosystems, human health, and the planet.

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