Most fires begin with something surprisingly small. Arson, power line failures, and gaps in forest management are major contributors, but drought stressed vegetation, rising temperatures, and simple human carelessness play a huge role too. A forgotten campfire, a spark from equipment, or a cigarette tossed in the wrong place can ignite dry brush instantly. Add human activity near wildland areas and the risk climbs even more. Nearly every wildfire starts fast and tiny, like a brush pile flare up, a downed line, or an unnoticed ember bed. Without defensible space, those sparks can turn into something much bigger in minutes.