Fires in Nature - (South-east Australia in February 2009) Flashcards
What type of vegetation and fuel contributed to the intensity of the 2009 Australian wildfires?
The fires occurred in forested areas with dry, oil-rich material like leaves and branches that hadn’t been cleared due to a lack of controlled burning.
What climate and weather conditions contributed to the 2009 Australia wildfires?
The fires followed 10 years of drought, with recent temperatures over 40°C and strong winds, creating ideal wildfire conditions.
How does vegetation type influence wildfire intensity?
Dense forests and eucalyptus trees (common in Australia) release flammable oils, increasing the intensity and spread of wildfires.
How do fuel characteristics influence wildfire behaviour?
Dry, fine fuels (like leaves and twigs) ignite easily and allow fires to spread rapidly. Accumulation increases fire intensity if not managed.
What is meant by ‘fire behaviour’ in the context of wildfires?
Fire behaviour includes how quickly a fire spreads, its intensity, and its direction, which are influenced by fuel, wind, topography, and humidity.
What were the main causes of the 2009 Victoria wildfires?
Faulty power lines were a major cause, along with extreme weather and lack of forest management.
What are natural causes of wildfires?
Lightning, spontaneous combustion, and volcanic eruptions.
What are human causes of wildfires?
Negligence (e.g. discarded cigarettes), arson, power line faults, and poor land management.
How much land was burned in the 2009 Australian wildfires?
Around 4,300 km² of land, including forests and national parks.
What was the impact on wildlife during the 2009 fires?
Millions of animals were killed, including rare species like the sooty owl and spotted tree frog.
How many people died and were injured in the 2009 fires?
173 people were killed, and around 400 were injured.
What were some social consequences beyond injuries and fatalities?
Many survivors suffered stress and depression due to trauma and loss.
How many houses and communities were affected?
2,000 houses in 78 communities were destroyed.
What was the total estimated cost of the 2009 wildfires?
Over AUS $4 billion.
How did the wildfires affect businesses?
Over 60 businesses were destroyed, causing job and income loss.
What political challenges emerged after the fires?
The cost of rebuilding, including fire-resistant housing, increased financial pressure and inequality in recovery efforts.
What role did the Australian Bureau of Meteorology play in 2009?
It predicted fire spread and advised residents to evacuate or defend their homes.
How many emergency responders were involved?
Over 20,000 firefighters and volunteers helped combat the fires and aid victims.
How did evacuation affect death tolls?
Evacuation helped reduce deaths, but some who stayed to defend homes were put at greater risk.
How much money was donated for recovery?
Over AUS $400 million was donated to rebuild houses and community services.
What are some recommendations for future wildfire risk management in Australia?
Build fire shelters in vulnerable areas
Improve warning systems
Enhance emergency evacuation strategies
Why was rebuilding homes after the 2009 fires challenging for some residents?
New fire-resistant housing designs were more expensive, so some people couldn’t afford to finish rebuilding.
What does wildfire preparedness involve?
Monitoring fire risk, education, evacuation plans, and fire drills.
What are wildfire mitigation strategies?
Controlled burning, clearing dry vegetation, and firebreak construction.
What is wildfire prevention?
Reducing ignition sources like maintaining power lines, banning open flames, and enforcing fire bans during high-risk periods.
How can societies adapt to wildfire risk?
Designing fire-resistant buildings, relocating communities, and planning land use to reduce exposure.
