3.1.5.6 Fires in Nature Flashcards
Fatalism
The viewpoint that hazards are uncontrollable natural events, and any losses should be accepted as there is nothing that can be done to stop them.
Prediction
Using scientific research and past events in order to know when a hazard will take place, so that warnings may be delivered and impacts of the hazard can be reduced.
In some cases, hazards may also be prevented when predicted early enough. (e.g. predicting wildfires from climatic red flags)
Adaptation
Attempting to live with hazards by adjusting lifestyle choices so that vulnerability to the hazard is lessened. (e.g. earthquake proof houses.)
Mitigation
Strategies carried out to lessen the severity of a hazard (e.g. sandbags to offset impact of flooding)
Management
Coordinated strategies to reduce a hazard’s effects. This includes prediction, adaptation, mitigation.
Risk sharing
A form of community preparedness, whereby the community shares the risk
posed by a natural hazard and invests collectively to mitigate the impacts of future hazards.
Wildfire
A large, uncontrolled fire that quickly spreads through vegetation.
Conditions that favour wildfires
- Vegetation type
- Fuel Characteristics
- Climate and Recent Weather
- Fire Behaviour
Vegetation type effects on wildfires
Thick, close together vegetation allows fires to spread quickly and easily. Trees and thick bushes lead to more intense wildfires; grasslands do not burn as intensely. Vegetation with flammable oils - like eucalyptus - causes more intense fires also.
Fuel Characteristics effects on wildfires
Vegetation should be dry to allow it to catch. Finer vegetation causes fires to spread quicker, but larger, thicker forms of vegetation burns for longer and more intensely.
Climate and Recent Weather effects on wildfires
Must be in a climate that has enough rainfall to have sufficient plant growth , but considerable dry spells and droughts to dry out the fuel . Areas with dry seasons such as California allow for intense wildfires. Wind also causes fires to spread quicker. Recent temperature increases have caused an increase in the number of wildfires.
Fire Behaviour
Fires spread quickly on hills as the heat rises. Fire can also ‘jump’ across rivers and into areas due to lit debris which causes it to spread.
Causes of wild fires
Wildfires can be caused naturally or by humans. The majority of the time, wildfires are not naturally started. Humans may start fires accidentally or through arson.
- Natural causes include spontaneous combustion, volcanoes and lightning.
- Human causes can be lit cigarettes, BBQ’s, agriculture, train lines and more.
Primary environmental impact
- Air pollution from ash
- Water pollution
- Habitats destroyed in fire
- Toxic gases released in burning
Secondary environmental impact
- Removing invasive species and stimulating seed germination
- Migration patterns of animals affected
- Increased CO2 from fires could heighten the greenhouse effect
Primary economic impact
- Businesses destroyed
- Agricultural land damaged
- Cost of fighting fires (firefighters, helicopters, water)
Secondary economic impact
- High cost of rebuilding and insurance pay out
- Sources of income lost
- Discouraging visitors, losing tourism sector
- Planes cancelled
Primary social impact
- People killed or injured in fires
- Homes destroyed
- People go missing during evacuations
Secondary social impacts
- Homelessness
- Food shortages from destroyed agricultural land
- Health problems such as asthma from smoke inhalation
Primary political impacts
- Government buildings destroyed
Secondary political impacts
- Borrowing money for international aid
- Pressure for government to do more about global warming due to increased frequency
Short term responses
- Evacuation
- Providing health care
- Providing emergency food and water supplies
- Providing emergency shelter
Long term responses
- Prevention
- Preparedness
- Mitigation
- Adaption
Prevention of wildfires
In the current climate, wildfires cannot be avoided overall.
However human caused fires can be prevented by education.
Controlled burnings and fire beaters can prevent large wildfires from starting.
Preparedness for wildfires
Public awareness about why wildfires start.
Evacuation and training plans.
Satellite image tracking to manage the areas that are at risk.
Red flag warning systems so people know areas that will possibly be at risk.
Mitigation of wildfires
Removing flammable material such as dead leaves.
Spraying water and fire retardant onto the area.
Building materials that will not release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.
