Feathered Fire Starters: Birds and the Unexpected Threat of Wildfires
The summer sky may be a beautiful sight, but this year, it’s also playing host to a shockingly common, yet often overlooked, wildfire threat: avian ignitions. Across the United States, electrocuted birds are igniting brush and starting fires, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. This startling phenomenon has been particularly impactful in Colorado, where three wildfires this summer have been directly linked to flaming bird carcasses.
While the sight of a bird catching fire may seem like something out of a dystopian fantasy, the reality is grounded in science and sadly, becoming increasingly frequent. In a 2022 study published in the journal International Journal of Wildland Fire, researcher Taylor Barnes documented the alarming reality of avian-caused ignitions, citing 44 cases of wildfires started by electrocuted birds across the contiguous United States between 2014 and 2018.
So how exactly do these avian blazes take place? It all boils down to a dangerous combination of bird behavior, electrical infrastructure, and the unpredictable elements of nature. Birds, often attracted by insects, perch on overhead power lines seemingly oblivious to the electrical current coursing through them. While this behavior is usually harmless, it can turn deadly if a bird makes contact with multiple power lines, creating a closed circuit.
"Sometimes they burst into flames," Barnes describes, highlighting the horrifying reality of this phenomenon. "Sometimes they just fall dead. Not every bird that is electrocuted will fall to the ground and start a fire." This means that while some birds may simply be killed by the electrical shock, others can become a walking (or rather, falling) fire hazard, igniting dry brush or other flammable materials upon impact.
The mechanism of the electrical shock causing combustion is complex and not fully understood. However, scientists believe it involves a combination of factors:
- High voltage: The high voltage of power lines can generate intense heat, particularly if a bird creates a short circuit between two lines.
- Feather composition: Birds’ feathers are composed of keratin, a highly flammable material.
- Airflow: The force of the electrical shock can dislodge feathers and create a current of air that helps the fire to spread.
While seeing a bird perched on a power line may seem innocuous, it’s when they venture into more sensitive areas of the power infrastructure that the danger begins. According to Barnes, the key factor determining whether a bird ignites is its access to high-voltage components. Bird contact with arrester caps, designed to protect power lines from surges, poses a higher risk.
"Sometimes what can happen is insects can get inside that cap," Barnes explains. "That attracts birds. Birds like to eat insects, in particular woodpeckers and crows, so something like that could have sat on the jumper wire and pecked into that arrester cap trying to get to the insects, making contact with the energized components and then causing it to catch fire."
The impact of these avian-induced wildfires is far from negligible. The Arapahoe County fire, ignited by a bird, consumed over 1,100 acres, destroying a home and a dozen outbuildings, a sobering reminder of the potential destruction these incidents can cause. However, the threat of avian ignitions extends beyond individual instances. Barnes’ 2022 study pinpointed California’s Mediterranean ecoregion as a particularly vulnerable area, highlighting the need for proactive measures to prevent these incidents.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of adapting power line infrastructure to mitigate the risk of avian electrocution and, consequently, wildfire risk. The study suggests that modifications to power poles, including the use of specialized insulators and bird-deterrent devices, could significantly reduce the frequency of these incidents.
However, the challenge lies in finding a balance between human needs and wildlife protection.
"It’s a tough balance." Barnes acknowledged. "You want to provide power to people and you want to protect wildlife."
The solution, as with many environmental challenges, is likely to involve a combination of strategies. These may include:
- Improving power line design: Implementing improved insulators and bird-deterrent technologies on power lines could reduce the risk of electrocution.
- Educating the public: Raising awareness of avian ignitions among communities that live near power lines could help prevent accidental incidents.
- Managing vegetation: Clearing vegetation around power lines can reduce the risk of fire spread in the event of an ignition.
The implications of these avian-induced wildfires extend beyond the immediate devastation they cause. As climate change continues to exacerbate drought conditions and increase the frequency of wildfires, the impact of this increasingly common phenomenon will only escalate.
While the sight of a flaming bird may seem abstract and even fantastical, its reality is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our ecosystem and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect our communities and our environment.
With proactive action, we can strive to ensure that our skies remain a place of wonder, not a source of unintended wildfire.
