Natural causes of forest fires include lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions, and spontaneous combustion. Lightning strikes can ignite dry vegetation and start a fire. Volcanic eruptions can release hot ash and lava, which can ignite flammable materials. Spontaneous combustion can occur when organic materials, such as decaying plant matter, generate heat and ignite.

Human activities are another major cause of forest fires. Campfires left unattended, discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson can all lead to devastating fires. Negligent behavior, such as leaving a campfire unattended or throwing a cigarette butt out of a car window, can have severe consequences. Intentional acts of arson are also a major cause of forest fires, and can have serious criminal consequences.

Dry weather and drought can also increase the risk of forest fires by creating prime conditions for fires to start and spread. When the weather is dry, plants and trees become more flammable, and fires can spread quickly. Drought conditions can also make it more difficult to control fires, as there is less moisture in the environment to help put out the flames.

To prevent forest fires, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them. This can include following fire safety guidelines when camping or using outdoor cooking equipment, properly discarding cigarettes and other flammable materials, and reporting any suspicious activity that may indicate arson. In addition, it is important to support efforts to manage and maintain healthy forests, as healthy forests are less susceptible to fires and can better withstand their effects.