Lesson Plan - Facing the Flames

Watch the Video
Watch the video “Wildfires Around the World” and ask: What are the three factors that can lead to a wildfire? What usually sparks these blazes?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• contain  
• vegetation

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about some of the challenges of fighting wildfires.

1. What are some reasons the Park Fire was hard to contain?
One reason the Park Fire was hard to contain was that hot weather had dried out grasses and trees, making them burn easily. In addition, strong winds helped the flames spread quickly, and the location and landscape made the blaze difficult to reach.
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2. Based on the article, what are two qualities a person should have to work on a wildfire crew? Explain.
Sample response: One quality a person would need to work on a wildfire crew is bravery, since they need to stay calm while facing a wall of fire. Another quality is stamina, since wildfire crews sometimes work 48-hour shifts.
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3. Based on the sidebar, “How to Fight a Wildfire,” describe three tools firefighters use to battle wildfires.
Sample response: The sidebar, “How to Fight a Wildfire,” shows that firefighters use helicopters to drop chemicals or water on wildfires. They use bulldozers and chain saws to clear away vegetation that might burn, and they use hoses to spray water on flames.
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FEATURED SKILL: Cause/Effect
Use the skill builder “Wildfire Causes and Effects” to help students notice cause-and-effect relationships in the text.
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