What characterizes wet fuels?

Wet fuels are characterized by high moisture content, which can be due to environmental factors such as precipitation or humidity. This moisture significantly impacts the fuel's ability to ignite and burn. When fuels are saturated or have absorbed a considerable amount of water, they require more energy and heat to reach the ignition point. Therefore, wet fuels tend to be less combustible compared to their dry counterparts, making them more difficult to ignite and sustain combustion.

The presence of moisture in the fuel also affects fire behavior, leading to lower fire intensity and slower spread rates. Understanding the characteristics of wet fuels is crucial for fire behavior analysis and for making informed decisions regarding fire suppression strategies.