Wildfire Hazards - 3.1.5.6

Question 1

Wildfire

Answer 1

Uncontrolled fires that burn grass, shrubs, trees and other vegetation.

Question 2

Surface fires

Answer 2

Fires burn along the forest floor burning leaf litter and fallen branches. They are easy to control.

Question 3

Ground fires

Answer 3

Fires which burn organic matter in the soil, such as peat can last a long time.

Question 4

Crown fires

Answer 4

Fires burn the top layer of foliage known as the canopy. They are very hot and hard to control.

Question 5

Semi-arid

Answer 5

Regions of the world which are very dry and experience drought regularly (i.e. Australia).

Question 6

Dry Season

Answer 6

A time of the year when little rain falls and wildfires are common.

Question 7

Arson

Answer 7

When fires are started deliberately.

Question 8

Heatwave

Answer 8

A period of extreme heat whereby vegetation becomes dry and combustible.

Question 9

Humidity

Answer 9

The amount of moisture in the atmosphere. If it falls below 7% the risk of wildfires increases.

Question 10

Firebrands

Answer 10

Burning fragments of vegetation are carried ahead of the fire by convection currents and strong winds.

Question 11

El Nino

Answer 11

A climatic event (which occurs every 6-8 years) whereby sea temperatures shift across the Pacific Ocean resulting in drought conditions (and increased wildfire risk) in Australia and Indonesia.

Question 12

Topography

Answer 12

The shape of the land (relief) impacts the speed and direction of the wildfire. Wildfires travel 400% faster upslope due to preheated vegetation.

Question 13

Mitigation

Answer 13

To reduce the severity of an event and lessen its impact. This can be done pre- and post-hazard.

Question 14

Prevention

Answer 14

Actions aimed at stopping wildfires from starting.

Question 15

Adaption

Answer 15

Accepting wildfires is inevitable and adapt behaviour accordingly.

Question 16

Preparedness

Answer 16

Increasing people’s awareness through actions that minimise the likely impact of hazards (and reduce their vulnerability)

Question 17

Red Flag warnings

Answer 17

The US Weather Service issues warnings to alert the public and fire departments that conditions are ideal for wildfire and its rapid spread.

Question 18

Direct attack

Answer 18

Any strategy which is applied directly to the burning fuel i.e. firefighters, fire beaters, air drops of water and retardant chemicals.

Question 19

Indirect attack

Answer 19

Any strategy which is prepared far away from the fire’s edge in preparation for its advance i.e. Spraying ahead, creating firebreaks and back burning.

Question 20

Stay or go policy

Answer 20

A much-criticised piece of governmental advice recommends ‘Leaving early is still the safest option, but staying to defend a well-prepared defendable home is also a sound choice’.

Question 21

Indian Ocean Dipole

Answer 21

An alternating pattern of ocean temperatures found to the west and north of Australia - which can lead to dry conditions favourable for a wildfire.

Question 22

Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Answer 22

An anxiety disorder caused by very frightening or distressing events. People relive the event through nightmares and flashbacks and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt for a long time.

Question 23

Spot Fire

Answer 23

A new fire which ignites outside of the original fire perimeter.

Question 24

Light Fuel

Answer 24

Small material which can catch fire easily but only for a short amount of time (i.e. leaves, pine needles, grass)

Question 25

Heavy Fuel

Answer 25

Large material which once on fire burns for a long time (i.e. trees)