When assessing ground fire fuels, which of the following should be considered?

Considering ground fire fuels, it is essential to evaluate anything that can combust on the ground. Ground fire fuels include a wide range of materials such as dry grasses, leaves, fallen branches, shrubs, and even roots or stems of living plants that can contribute to the fire's spread. Different types of fuels have varying moisture contents and combustibility, so recognizing all potential combustibles allows for a more comprehensive assessment of fire risk.

Focusing solely on specific categories of materials, such as just dry materials, living plants, or synthetic materials, would neglect significant factors that can influence fire behavior and intensity. For example, while dry materials are highly flammable, living plants can also ignite, particularly during dry conditions or after a drought. Similarly, synthetic materials may produce harmful emissions when combusted but are not the only factors contributing to ground fires. This holistic view is crucial in fire prevention and control strategies.