What can happen when a fire starts at the base of a box canyon?

When a fire starts at the base of a box canyon, it may behave like a fire in a confined space due to the unique topography of the canyon. The shape and walls of a box canyon can restrict airflow and trap heat and smoke, which can lead to increased fire intensity. The confined space allows for a buildup of heat, and fires can experience rapid growth due to the vertical and horizontal confinement, causing flames to be pushed upward against the canyon walls. This atmospheric condition can lead to more intense burning and can significantly influence the fire's behavior, making it behave differently compared to fires in more open areas where airflow is less restricted.

In such scenarios, the fire may also spread in a manner that's influenced more by the terrain than by typical horizontal spread, contributing to unpredictable fire behavior. This unique interaction with the landscape emphasizes the importance of understanding how specific geography can affect fire dynamics in wildland settings.