Wildfire: A Great Event for Many- By Jack Maraziti

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Warm orange flames danced amongst the treetops as darkness approached.  The setting sun was darkened by billowing black smoke that emerged from the forests of Northern California.  In complete silence, the distant crackling of brush burning could be heard coinciding with the sirens of the panic within the human population.  However, as many homes were evacuated by both people and animals, we started to converge on the fire with a gathering excitement. The excitement built with each increasing degree of heat.

As we neared the fiery destruction, a wave of black emerged from the forest, chased by licking flames.  We swooped down and feasted on the crunchy insects as if it was Thanksgiving! Weighed down with delicious food, we returned to a safe nesting area in close proximity to this wonderful gift.
After several days of waiting, nature finally dialed back the intensity of the flames.  With the flames extinguished, it was time to feast again, but on a different delicacy. This time it was the seeds of lodgepole pines.  These species of pine can only release its seeds when there is enough heat to melt a protective resin. Now, with the seeds freed, we dive into the delicious food.  This treat will last far into the future since new lodgepole pines can now grow. After a few years of growing, we will be able eat the needles of this wonderful, forever giving tree.

Although the event of wildfire can be harmful for many species, these masses of amazing destruction also allow for the survival and prosperity of many others.
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The prospering species mentioned in this piece are grouse.  Grouse are a type of bird that inhabit areas of dense forests such as those in Northern California.  It is also true that they eat insects, seeds, and the needles of lodgepole pines. Grouse are just one of multiple other species that actually benefit form the event of a wildfire.  Although the majority of us (including me before this research) think that wildfires are just a horrific natural disaster, there are many positive outcomes and aspects that can occur such as this one.
Image result for wildfireImage result for grouse
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