The persistent danger after landscape fires

Every year, an estimated four percent of the world's vegetated land surface burns, leaving more than 250 megatons of carbonized plants behind. A study has now recorded elevated concentrations of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) in these charcoals - in some cases even up to five years after the fire. These EPFR may generate reactive substances, which in turn harm plants and living organisms.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210326122730.htm