How is crown fire characterized?

Crown fire is characterized by its ability to spread from the tops of trees, allowing flames to leap from one treetop to another. This type of fire is capable of producing significant intensity and rapid spread compared to other fire types because it utilizes the tree canopies as its primary fuel source.

Crown fires can be highly destructive due to their vertical movement through the forest canopy, often igniting surrounding trees and vegetation in their path. This behavior is markedly different from surface fires, which primarily burn material on the ground, and other fire types that may have slower or more controlled spread. Understanding crown fire dynamics is crucial for fire management and safety, especially in forested areas where conditions favor such intense fire behavior.