Wildfire Impacts Flashcards
What are the primary effects of wildfires?
- Loss of crops, timber and livestock
- Loss of life
- Loss of property
- Release of toxic gas and particulates
- Loss of wildfires
- Damage to soil structure and nutrient content
How do wildfires cause a loss of crops, timber and livestock?
Forest fires can have a huge impact in timber producing areas, with the loss of trees that will take years to replace
How do wildfires cause a loss of live?
Although many fires are events from which people can get out of the way, some fires move so fast that people can be trapped, although this is not usual.
How do wildfires cause a loss of property?
At one time, only a few rural communities were at risk from fires, but with urban expansion, the fringes are more susceptible. The cost of damage and of fighting fires can run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Large numbers of people can also be left homeless.
How do wildfires cause damage to soil structure and nutrient content?
With the intense heat generated at ground level, wildfires can destroy many soil nutrients and lead to an alteration in the soil’s structure.
What are the secondary impacts of wildfires?
- Evacuation
- Increased flood risk
What are the effects of evacutation?
Many people will flee from the area of the fire. Such people will not be allowed back into the affected area, often for a long period, if not forever. Emergency shelters/accommodation will have to be found along with food.
How do wildfires cause an increased flood risk?
In certain environments, where rain comes in heavy bursts, the loss of so much vegetation, and the consequent decrease in interception, can lead to increased flooding.
