9. Alberta Wildfires 2016

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

May 2016
90,000 residents forced out, 2400 homes destroyed
Fire was initially under control but shift in wind direction caused blaze to tear through Fort McMurray

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

Lack of winter snowfall
Early snowmelt in spring
Warmer than average temps dried ground out

Very low humidity so vegetation became tinder dry
Temps exceeded 30 degrees and winds increased

The intensity of fires cerated its own weather patterns including lightning which led to ignition of further fires

Question 3

Primary Impacts

Answer 3

Intensity of fires severely affected ecosystems due to scorched soil and burned tree roots, these could reignite at any time

90,000 people forced to flee, 2400 buildings burned

1/3 of the workers in nearby oil sands industry had to be evacuated, production halted, 600 work camp units destroyed

Power supplies disrupted

Question 4

Secondary impacts

Answer 4

Fire released millions of tonnes of co2 into atmosphere, ash washed into watercourse=pollution
Toxic gases created air pollutions far as the Gulf Coast

Jobs and livelihoods affected, increased levels of anxiety

Transport seriously affected, including airport. $9bn in damages upon Fort McMurray

Fuelled political debates, government officials liased

Question 5

Initial response

Answer 5

Involved careful monitoring of the newly ignited fire using ground satellite data
Meteorological info was used to forecast direction, fire warnings issued

Question 6

Short term responses

Answer 6

Mass evacuation programme implemented and 90,000 residents were secreted to safety, lack fo direct deaths or injuries is testament to good organisation

Alberta government declared a state of emergency, helicopters, water bombs and firefighter bought in by neighbouring states

Received up to $50 mil in donations from Red Cross

Question 7

Long term responses

Answer 7

Government supported evacuees by giving them money to cover living expenses
Online registry supported by local gov set up to help evacuees

June, residents gradually returned to begin rebuilding and president promised long term aid
June 2016 benefit concert to raise money for those affected