Fires In Naturen

Question 1

Wildfires

Answer 1

wildfire is an uncontrolled rural fire. They destroy forests, grasslands and other areas of vegetation.

Question 2

Types of wildfire

Answer 2

Groundfire–a slow smouldering fire that burns organic matter in the soil,such peat.They
spread slowly at fairly low temperatures for long periods of time. There may be no flame.
Surface fire - the burning of leaf litter and low-lying vegetation. The most common type of fire.
Can be low or high intensity. They cool quickly and are relatively easy to control.
Crown fire - fire that moves rapidly through the canopy (top layer of vegetation). This type of
fire has a dramatic effect on forested areas. The hottest type of fire. Very difficult to contain.

Question 3

Ladder effect

Answer 3

When fires move from the ground to the tree canopy

Question 4

Necessary conditions for a wildfire

Answer 4

o A ready supply of fuel – dry vegetation
o An ignition source – can be natural or human
o Favourable climatic or weather conditions.

Question 5

Vegetations affect on wildfires

Answer 5

This influences the intensity (heat output) and the rate of spread (degree of threat)
Fine, dry material catches fire easily e.g. long grasses and/or twigs
Grassland = low heat output whereas forested areas = high heat output

Question 6

Climate and recent weather affect on fires

Answer 6

Rainfall sufficient for vegetation to grow (fuel)
A distinct dry season - this causes the vegetation to dry up and become more flammable.
This is why there is a low risk of wildfires in the UK.
Strong winds provide oxygen and help the fire spread.

Question 7

El Niño

Answer 7

Australia has dry and warm temperatures during El Niño causing drought and wildfires.
South America experiences wetter conditions which causes floods
High pressure in Australia, low pressure in South America
Occurs around every 5 years

Question 8

Natural causes of wildfires

Answer 8

Lightning
Volcanic eruptions
Burning fragments can be blown ahead of the flame which spreads fires

Question 9

Human cause of wildfires

Answer 9

Human impacts cause majority of fires
Discarded cigarettes
Poorly controlled wildfires
Arson

Question 10

Primary effects of wildfires

Answer 10

Loss of life
Loss of property
Loss of wildlife
Loss off crops

Question 11

Secondary affects of wildfires

Answer 11

Displacement
Loss of income or unemployment
Increased carbon emissions

Question 12

Positive affects of wildfires

Answer 12

Wildfires remove dead or dying material from the forest floor, as well as harmful insects and
diseased plants. This, in turn encourages new plant growth.
Some species of plant cannot reproduce without fire. Species such as Douglas fir and ponderosa
pine need fire to aid seed germination.

Question 13

Short term responses of wildfires

Answer 13

Emergency teams try to put the fire out
Evacuation of people
Fires can be diverted away from settlement
Spraying water onto property

Question 14

Long term responses of wildfires (preparedness)

Answer 14

buy in emergency supplies of food, water and medicine.
Authorities make emergency shelters
Warnings are released on social media

Question 15

Mitigation of wildfires

Answer 15

Satellites with infrared sensors can detect thermal variation
NASA is developing drone technology to survey large areas.
Disaster aid and fire insurance can mitigate the effects of wildfires

Question 16

Prevention of wildfires

Answer 16

Public education to highlight the risks of campfires and BBQs in vulnerable areas.
Fire beaters available near recreation spaces so people can put out small fires before they spread.

Question 17

Adaption of wildfires

Answer 17

Planning regulations to enforce the use of non-flammable building materials used in vulnerable areas.
There is a school of thought that fires are a natural regenerative process within a forest ecosystem, and they should be allowed to run their course.