For which type of fire is vegetation the primary fuel?

Vegetation serves as the primary fuel for both wildland and ground fires, making the answer comprehensive.

Wildland fires typically occur in areas with extensive vegetative cover such as forests, grasslands, or shrublands. These fires can spread rapidly due to the abundant fuel provided by trees, shrubs, and grasses. In contrast, ground fires primarily burn organic material within the soil layer, such as decaying plant matter, roots, and other vegetative remnants. Ground fires often occur in lower moisture conditions and can smolder for a long time, fueled by the dense mat of organic debris found in forested areas.

Understanding that vegetation is central to both types of fires illustrates the importance of fire behavior and ecosystem dynamics in firefighting and prevention strategies.