✅HAZARDS Case Study - Wildfires, Alberta Flashcards
When were the fires
May 2016 - Aug 2017, although mostly under control by July 2016. Peat allowed it to burn for longer.
How did the climate encourage the start of the wildfire?
Dry conditions and strong winds with low humidity
Previous winter was dry due to El Niño, meaning vegetation dried out early, so more flammable
El Nino caused high temperatures
What was the humidity when it started
12%
How much rainfall was seen in Fort McMurray?
41.3mm between January and April, 60% of average
Why did below average precipitation lead to dry vegetation?
Less precipitation meant less snowpack and therefore dry vegetations
What was the highest temperature seen in Fort McMurray?
33 degrees C
How fast were winds?
22mph
How many people were evacuated?
80,000
How were people physically affected?
People developed breathing difficulties, due to pollution due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the burning of buildings
How was the sense of community impacted?
People’s homes were destroyed, affecting communities
How many homes were destroyed in Fort McMurray?
1600
What percentage of all structures were destroyed?
15%
Why were jobs put at risk?
Operations on oil sands were shut down
How were basic water supplies affected?
Firefighters had to use untreated water to tackle the blaze, so supplies were contaminated
How was the countries economy affected?
Major oil production was shut down, so exports slowed. Lost $985 million, about 0.33% of Alberta’s GDP in 2016
How many major oil companies suspended operations?
9
How much was production of oil cut down by?
1 million barrels a day. 1/3 of Canada’s output
How many residents were out of work?
90,000
Why was the fire likely to smoulder for months?
Because there is thick peat in the area, which can allow it to keep burning
How were rivers and lakes affected?
The ash polluted them
How far was smoke from the fires able to travel?
3400km to the US Gulf Coast
How long were people without electricity for?
More than 14 days
What was used to evacuate oil sands workers?
Aircraft including helicopters
What did the Alberta government declare?
A state of emergency
Which countries responded with aid?
US, Russia and Australia with helicopters, water-bombers and firefighters
How much did the Canadian government provide to evacuees per adult?
$1250, plus $500 per dependant
How much was collected by the Red Cross in aid?
$50 million
What did Justin Trudeau promise to the area?
Long term aid to help the rebuilding of Fort McMurray
