Ash pit

For the inactive volcanic crater in Canada, see The Ash Pit.
Ash pit

An ash pit is a remnant of a wildfire. It is a hole in the ground filled with ash, possibly containing hot embers beneath. It is one of the many hazards faced by those fighting wildfires. It is also a danger to residents and their pets returning after a wildfire has gone out.[1][2]

An ash pit may be imperceptible from the ground above, and can remain hot for days.[3] Those accidentally walking into one may be severely burned or killed.

After a wildfire has gone out, firefighters may detect ash pits from helicopters using infrared sensors. They can then dig down into them, and extinguish them to prevent flare ups.[4]

  1. ^ Gabbert, Bill (March 20, 2018). "Three firefighters suffer burns on Arizona fire". Wildfire Today. Retrieved 2018-06-22.
  2. ^ "Ash Pit Hazards | NWCG". Nwcg.gov. Retrieved 2018-06-22.
  3. ^ "Badger Creek Fire likely human-caused | Wyoming News | trib.com". Archived from the original on 2018-06-21. Retrieved 2018-06-21.
  4. ^ McDermott, Vincent (September 1, 2017). "Fort McMurray wildfire finally extinguished after 15 months". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 2018-06-22.