How can the damaging Effects of wildfires be reduced?

Question 1

prepare

Answer 1

have an evacuation plan

Geographical Information Systems (GIS): wildfire risk maps

wildfire forecast scenario software? inform people of safest evacuation routes

tips given if caught in a wildfire

Question 2

prepare homes

Answer 2

any timber, firewood; stacked away from the house

a grave path around the house

cement tiles roofing: fire resistant

wall bricks

fire resistant materials

clear any natural fuels, avoid combustable materials

Question 3

what is DEFENSIBLE SPACE

Answer 3

area around your house

needs to be clear of any combustable material

Question 4

how to prevent wildfires

Answer 4

volunteer groups: remove leaves and branches at risk of wildfires

controlled burns: done before any fires start to remove sea plant material that could become wildfire fuel

educate the public: increase awareness
eg Smokey Bear: used in USA for over 60 years

posters, leaflets, adverts

California DVD s are sent in schools to educat

Question 5

What is smokey bear’s aim?

Answer 5

make people aware
that 9/10
wildfires caused by humans

Question 6

how has smokey bear’s commercials changed over the years?

Answer 6

more and more people are living in forested areas
there could be more wildfires

cost of damage is higher

old commercials: focus on forests and not people’s houses

Question 7

How to respond to wildfires

5

Answer 7

put them out

fire engines

aeroplanes, helicopters: parachute firefighters into remote, inaccessible areas
: make air drops, water & fire retardant materials released

areas ahead of wildfire sprayed to stop spreading

helicopters fitted with large bucket, filled with sea water

Question 8

role of emergency services

Answer 8

people made to evacuate homes mandatory

reverse 911 tell people to evacuate

police/ army block roads, to stop people driving