How do temperature inversions affect wildfire behavior?

Temperature inversions occur when warm air sits on top of a layer of cooler air near the surface, creating a stable atmospheric condition. This phenomenon can significantly influence wildfire behavior by trapping smoke and heat within the lower cooler layer. The trapped heat can lead to an increase in fire intensity beneath the inversion layer and may cause the fire to behave erratically. This unpredictable behavior can be dangerous for firefighters and complicate suppression efforts.

The presence of stable air due to the inversion limits vertical mixing, which normally helps to dissipate heat and smoke. As a result, flames may consume fuel more efficiently, leading to increased fire spread in some instances. This ability to exacerbate fire conditions is a critical aspect of wildland firefighting and smoke management, highlighting the complexities of fire behavior in varying atmospheric conditions.