Which type of wildfire occurs on and below the forest floor?

Ground fires occur on and below the forest floor, which distinguishes them from other types of wildfires. These fires typically burn organic material in the soil, such as roots and peat, and can smolder without large flames, making them difficult to detect. Ground fires often happen in areas with thick layers of duff or litter, where deep, moist organic matter can ignite and burn for an extended period.

In contrast, surface fires burn the vegetation on the ground, including grasses and shrubs, while crown fires involve the combustion of the canopy of trees and can spread rapidly through the tops of trees. Wildland is a broader term that encompasses various types of land areas along with their associated ecosystems but does not specifically define a type of fire. Thus, the characteristics of a ground fire align perfectly with the question about fires occurring specifically on and below the forest floor.