3.5.2 Impacts of and responses to Wildfires

Question 1

Examples of short-term responses to a wildfire

Answer 1

• Trying to put the fire out
• Diverting it away from settlements
• Evacuating people from areas at risk
• Spraying water onto the roofs of houses to prevent embers from setting them alight.

Question 2

Prevention of wildfires

Answer 2

Preventing fires from starting may involve public education about the risks of using campfires and barbecues in vulnerable areas. Authorities may also provide fire beaters to put small fires out before they spread.

Question 3

Preparation for wildfires

Answer 3

Being prepared for a wildfire may involve households having an emergency plan and emergency supplies of food, water and medicine, or authorities making emergency shelters available.

Question 4

Adaptation for wildfires

Answer 4

Individuals and authorities can change the way they live to help them cope with wildfires, e.g. using non-flammable building materials and creating fire breaks (gaps in trees) around settlements to stop fire spreading.

Question 5

Social impacts of wildfires

Answer 5

• People may be killed or injured if they don’t evacuate in time.
• Homes are destroyed, so people may be left homeless.
• Wildfires can destroy power lines and damage reservoirs, leaving people without electricity or clean water.
• Wildfires can cause health problems, e.g. inhaling smoke can cause long-term breathing difficulties.

Question 6

Political impacts of wildfires

Answer 6

• Governments can face criticism when wildfires have severe impacts.
• Governments may have to check their forest management practices to reduce the risk of wildfires, e.g. by celaring vegetation to limit fuel.

Question 7

Economic impacts of wildfires

Answer 7

• Wildfires destroy businesses, leading to loss of jobs and income.
• Insurance premiums increase dramatically after a wildfire.
• The cost of fighting wildfires is huge.
• Wildfires may discourage tourists from visiting an area, reducing income.

Question 8

Environmental impacts of wildfires

Answer 8

• Habitats are destroyed. Some species may not return to the area after a fire, changing the ecosystem.
• Soils are damaged as the fire removes organic matter.
• Smoke causes air pollution, and water sources can be contaminated with ash.
• Some ecosystems rely on wildfires to clear dead vegetation, and some plant seeds need fire to germinate.