What causes small fires to start that are often ignited by embers?

Spot fires are small fires that spontaneously ignite, often due to embers that are carried by the wind or other means from a larger fire. They can occur when embers land on combustible materials that were not directly in the path of the main fire but are still susceptible to ignition. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent during wildfires, where embers can travel significant distances.

Understanding spot fires is crucial for firefighters, as they can quickly grow and threaten to become larger fires if not managed promptly. By recognizing the potential for spot fires, firefighters can implement appropriate strategies to control them effectively, ensuring that the larger fire does not spread unchecked.

Other terms like burning debris and flare-ups refer to different aspects of fire behavior but do not specifically describe the phenomenon of small fires igniting from embers. Inflammable materials are substances that easily ignite, but they do not capture the concept of the small fires that occur due to the scattering of embers from an existing fire.