How do wildfires influence soil quality in forests? What are the vital nutrients lost? What are the techniques you follow to rejuvenate them and approximately, how long does it take for the soils to bounce back on an average, especially after ground fires and surface fires?

I am Vanadeep Kaluvagunta, who is taking the Wildland Fire Science (FOR 531) at NC State University this spring 2023 semester. I lived in Los Angeles from 2019 to 2021. I always was puzzled about the unabated frequent occurrence of bush fires every year despite having the best firefighters and meticulous mechanisms in place. Is it only due to the prevalent dry conditions (Santa Ana winds, etc.) or they are deliberately ignited by miscreants?

Hello professor! What was the most challenging real-time fire situation that you have faced? How did you mitigate that using your expertise in the subject?