Wildflowers in Kettle River Recreation Area, British Columbia, Canada

Risen from the ashes. Wildflowers risen from the ashes

This dazzling display of colourful wildflowers sprang to life after a fire that raged through this forest in a park straddling the Kettle River in British Columbia. While they might look scary, naturally occurring wildfires in forests are actually an important part of the ecosystem.

The heat dumps millions of seeds on the forest floor. Decaying flora turned into ash release nutrients into the soil which, in turn, boosts the growth of new seedlings. The fire also helps to eliminate weeds, dead wood and invasive insects, clearing the path for sunlight to bathe the forest floor, enabling seeds to germinate and eventually bloom into a scene like our homepage today.