Amazing Video: The Speed Of Wildfire

Texas is in the grips of the worst wildfire outbreak on record. Texas Parks and Wildlife put out this video to show just how fast a wildfire can spread, devastating everything in its path.

Wildfires can start in just seconds, set off by anything that can create a spark. When a material reaches a certain temperature, called a flashpoint, it can burst into flames. For wood, this temperature is about 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Once this point is reached, the wood releases hydrocarbon gases that mix with oxygen in the air to combust and create fire. After combustion occurs and a fire begins to burn, there are several factors that determine how quickly the fire spreads, including fuel, weather and topography. Depending on these factors, a fire can fizzle or turn into a raging blaze that scorches thousands of acres.

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