Alberta Wildfire 2016 - Wildfires Flashcards

1
Q

Where was the wildfire?

A

The wildfire was in Canada’s Alberta province. On May 1st 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What caused the wildfire?

A
  • Initial cause is still unknown but began in a remote forest area southwest of Alberta
  • Shift in wind causes fire to progress to the outskirts of Fort McMurray
  • Spotting which was carried by wind caused the fire to become erratic and out of control
  • Lack of winter and spring snow caused the vegetation to be dry which meant fire was able to spread
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What were the environmental impacts of this wildfire?

A
  • Scorched trees and tree roots
  • Dry and scorched peaty soils
  • Fire released several millions of tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere
  • Still smouldering 12 months later in some parts
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What were the economic impacts of this wildfire?

A
  • For McMurray wildfire cost $9.9 billion and this was the costliest natural disaster in Canada’s history
  • Production in some industries near wildfire had to be stopped because workers needed to be evacuated
  • 600 work camp units destroyed by fire
  • Transport was affected including airport
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What were the social impacts of this wildfire?

A
  • Evacuation of 90,000 people fr Fort McMurray
  • Destroyed 3,000 homes and businesses
  • Burnt land the size of Norfolk
  • Power was disrupted
  • Water supplies contaminated
  • 2 people died indirectly during car crash while evacuating the wildfire
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What were the political impacts of this wildfire?

A
  • Alberta government hoped that new research would help them understand the wildfire affected the physical and emotional health of people
    :/Government pledged $3 million to the research program
  • Caused a debate about the impacts of climate change and future vulnerability to wildfires
  • Government has to work with emergency services for evacuation procedures
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What were the short term responses of this wildfire?

A
  • State of emergency was declared

- Help came from armed forces including helicopters, water bombs and firefighters from different states and countries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What were the long term responses of this wildfire?

A
  • Residents were allowed to return to their home in June 2016 (1 months after wildfire)
  • There was a benefit concert to raise money for victims
  • Online register for accommodation
  • Landlords gave discount on houses to victims
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly