Alberta Wildfire Case Study Flashcards
1
Q
Location
A
- Canada, Alberta
2
Q
Causes
A
- Lack of snowfall, early snowmelt and soaring temperatures led to scorched earth and dry vegetation
- El Nino also played a role in The Beast’s creation
3
Q
Environmental Effects
A
- Fire and smoke damaged roots and soils
- Several tonnes of CO2 were released into the atmosphere
- Mercury and lead from burning buildings created air pollution
- Ash was washed into rivers, creating water pollution
- There were huge quantities of waste
- 680km of hectares burnt
4
Q
Social Effects
A
- 90,000 people fled to Fort McMurray
- 2,400 buildings were destroyed
- Power was disrupted
- Water contamination affected people
- No deaths
5
Q
Economic Effects
A
- Methods of transport were greatly affected
- CA$9bn in damages
- 1/3 of 25,000 local oil sands workers evacuated, and the industry was temporarily shut down (600 working units were destroyed)
- Estimated CA$1bn damages to industry
- 85% of Fort McMurray was saved
6
Q
Mitigation and Preparedness
A
- Evacuation plans implemented that are well organised and planned
- Careful monitoring of ground and satellite data
- Meteorological data used to forecast direction of fire
7
Q
Responses and Recovery
A
- 90,000 were evacuated safely (city planned for safety)
- Armed forces, water bombers and fire fighters were employed to try and combat the fire
- Donations were in excess of CA$50mn
