Forests respond to disturbances like wildfire through the process of ecological succession, a progressive movement from early colonizing pioneer species toward the most stable climax community. Wildfires are one way nature resets the successional trajectory of a forest.
Hotshots are elite 20-person handcrews that are assigned to work the most challenging parts of a wildfire. They work in remote locations where equipment cannot go, for extended periods of time and with limited logistical support. The name “Hotshot” is derived from always being in the hottest areas of the fire.
The dramatic interaction of fire and ice is on display at the Icelandic Lava Show in Vik, Iceland. As molten lava is poured over a layer of ice, the ice is vaporized on contact and lava bubbles are formed as the gas tries to escape.
