What is a zombie fire?

A zombie fire, also known as an overwintering fire, is a fire that smolders underground, often in peatlands or other organic-rich soils, during the winter months and then re-emerges on the surface in the spring or summer. These fires can be difficult to detect and extinguish, as they burn deep beneath the surface and may not produce visible smoke or flames during the colder months.

Key characteristics of zombie fires include:

• Location: Primarily occur in northern latitudes, such as Siberia, Canada, and Alaska, where peatlands are abundant.
• Fuel source: Feed on the carbon-rich organic matter found in peat and other soil layers.
• Persistence: Can survive for months or even years underground, burning slowly and continuously.
• Re-ignition: Re-emerge on the surface when conditions become warmer and drier, potentially igniting new wildfires.
• Environmental impact: Contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions, as they release large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. They also damage ecosystems and reduce air quality.
• Climate change: Climate change exacerbates the problem by creating drier conditions and longer fire seasons, which increase the likelihood of zombie fires starting and spreading.