What type of wildfire is characterized by flames that spread through the tops of trees?

The type of wildfire characterized by flames that spread through the tops of trees is known as a crown fire. This type of fire typically occurs in forests with abundant canopy cover and is fueled by the foliage of the trees. Crown fires can be particularly dangerous because they can move rapidly from tree to tree, creating a significant threat to wildlife, vegetation, and human structures.

Crown fires usually arise from surface or ground fires that ignite the lower branches of trees, allowing the fire to climb upward into the canopy. They can result in high-intensity burns that affect a large area, often making them difficult to control and extinguish.

Understanding the characteristics of crown fires is crucial for forest management, firefighting strategies, and overall ecological assessments, as these fires can have profound impacts on forest ecosystems and recovery processes.