What is subsurface combustion?

Subsurface combustion refers to a fire that occurs beneath the surface of materials. This type of combustion often happens in environments like landfills or peat bogs, where organic materials are buried and can ignite without being immediately visible. The heat generated can smolder for long periods, making these fires particularly challenging to detect and extinguish.

Understanding subsurface combustion is critical for firefighters and emergency responders, as these fires can lead to unexpected flare-ups and may pose significant hazards to both personnel and the environment. Such fires may not exhibit typical flames, making it crucial to correctly identify them to employ appropriate firefighting strategies.