How are these fires burning underground? - Emma Bryce

Peat fires, also known as 'zombie fires', are underground fires that smolder in peatlands, releasing harmful greenhouse gases and posing a significant environmental threat. These fires, fueled by climate change-induced droughts and peatland drainage, are challenging to extinguish due to their slow, persistent nature and the difficulty of water permeating the burning peat. Preventing peatland drainage and managing these landscapes are crucial to mitigating the release of stored carbon and combating the impact of these fires on global climate.

Peat Fire Characteristics

• 00:00:29 Peat fires, or 'zombie fires', are underground fires that burn slowly and persistently in peatlands, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon monoxide, methane, and particulate matter. They are often difficult to detect until they ignite dry surface soil, potentially far from the source, and can even persist under snow-covered ground. This slow-burning process results from the decomposition of organic matter in peat, creating a carbon-rich char that reacts with oxygen, producing smoldering combustion rather than flames.

Combating Peat Fires

• 00:03:22 Extinguishing peat fires is challenging due to the difficulty of water penetrating the burning peat. Researchers are exploring methods to reduce water's surface tension, enabling better penetration. Preventive measures, such as controlled burns and preserving the natural wet conditions of peatlands, are being implemented to reduce the risk of peat fires. Protecting peatlands, which store a significant portion of the Earth's carbon, is vital as climate change increases the risk of drought and extreme weather, potentially leading to more frequent and severe peat fires.