Wildfire: A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in forests, grasslands, or brushlands. “Forest fires” and “bush fires” are specific examples of wildfires.
Conduction: This is the process where heat moves between objects that are touching. It happens because particles (like tiny bits) in a solid object vibrate faster when they’re heated. These faster-moving particles bump into their neighbors, making them vibrate faster too. This way, heat travels from the hotter part of an object to a cooler part. Metals, like iron and copper, are good at conducting heat, which is why pots and pans are often made from them.
Thermal Radiation: Every object gives off a type of energy called radiation. When things are hot, they emit more of this energy. Unlike conduction and convection, which need a material (like metal or water) to transfer heat, thermal radiation can travel through empty space. That’s how the Sun heats the Earth from so far away. The energy travels in waves and can be absorbed by objects, warming them up. This is why dark-colored shirts feel hotter in the sun: they absorb more of this radiation.
Convection: Heat moves in liquids and gases through convection. As a liquid or gas gets heated, it becomes less dense (or lighter) and rises. Once it’s away from the heat source and begins to cool, it becomes more dense (or heavier) and sinks. This creates a continuous loop or cycle called a “convection current”. It’s the reason warm air rises and cold air sinks in a room, or why boiling water has those rolling patterns.
Slurry: When big wildfires get out of control, firefighters have a special tool. It’s called slurry—a thick mixture of water, fertilizer, and other chemicals. They drop it from planes, and it’s usually red or pink so firefighters can easily see where they’ve already put it. This mixture helps slow down the fire and protect trees and homes.