VEGETATION
Wildfires worst destruction is that of the forest. They can cause up to “80-percent reduction," (Inkley). Fires lasting for extended periods of time and that are very hot can cause soil damage which in turn destroys vegetation. Without the some of the overhang shrubbery, water ways tend to heat up. This warm water can kill fish and other animals in the water. Wildfires also cause the flow of the water and its volume to change. These abnormal changes can cause other changes to the land around them. With the destruction of some undergrowth, other plant life depends on fire to survive. Giant sequoia, lodgepole, and jack pine are a few things that depend on fire for reproduction.
ANIMALS
Although wildfires cause damage many buildings and homes, it also causes severe damage to wildlife. Many predators see fires as an opportunity to hunt. Prey are lost and trying to defend for themselves in these fires. While most of these predators wait until the fire is diminished and other animals are looking for unfamiliar places to live. Animals that have wings can fly above the fires and larger animals can run from the fire. Smaller animals can borrow into the ground or trees that are moist. Although this is a possibility for small animals, it is much harder for them to find shelter for the fire. This is also the case for young or new born animals. Wildfires make it hard for many animals to escape. “Escape routes can force wildlife across roads, putting them at greater risk of being hit by vehicles,” (Inkley).