The most effectual way to fight light surface fires is to throw sand or earth on the flames.

Where the fire has not made much headway, the flames can sometimes be beaten out with green branches, wet gunny sacks or blankets.

The leaves and debris may be raked away in a path so as to impede their advance.
Usually in the hardwood forests, there is not much cover, such as dry leaves, on the ground.

Fires in these forests destroy the seedlings and saplings, but do not usually kill the mature trees.
However, they damage the base of the trees and make it easy for fungi and insects to enter.

They also burn the top soil and reduce the water-absorbing powers of the forest floor.