Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Woody fuels, such as trees and shrubs, undergo a series of thermal changes as they are heated. The temperature at which woody fuel actually bursts into flame tends to be around 540 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the lignin and cellulose fibers within the wood begin to Pyrolyze, breaking down to produce volatile gases that can ignite. For combustion to occur, not only must the temperature reach this ignition point, but there must also be sufficient oxygen present, which is critical for sustaining the flame.

Understanding this ignition point is crucial for wildland firefighters, as it informs them about the fire behavior they might expect in a particular area based on fuel type and environmental conditions. Higher temperatures, such as those listed in the other choices, can definitely contribute to the combustion process but do not represent the point of ignition for woody fuels.