Wildfires Flashcards
1
Q
What is a wildfire?
A
An uncontrolled rural fire
2
Q
What forms do wildfires come in?
A
- Crown fire
- Ladder fire
- Ground fire
- Surface fire
3
Q
What is a crown fire?
A
- Fire spreads to canopies and affects forested areas
4
Q
What is a ladder fire?
A
- Process of fires from the forest floor spreading to the tree canopy
5
Q
What is a ground fire?
A
- Burns beneath the ground in layers of organic peat
6
Q
What is surface fire?
A
- Burns across surface vegetation
7
Q
What conditions favour wildfires
A
- Lightening, earthquakes, human activities
- Living and dead vegetation, peat. coal or buildings are all very flammable
- Even if the material is moist, the hot fire may convert it to water vapour
8
Q
What does wood release that helps fuel fires?
A
- Releases flammable hydrocarbon vapours when on fire
- Vapours mix with water to produce more water
9
Q
What temperature does wood have to be to ignite?
A
- 300 degrees celsius
10
Q
What are some environmental impacts of wildfires?
A
- Destruction of habitats and environments
- Death and injury of animals
- Short term surge of carbon dioxide
- Atmospheric pollution
11
Q
What are some social impacts of wildfires?
A
- Loss of life and injury
12
Q
What are the primary impacts of wildfires?
A
- Loss of crops, timber and livestock
- Loss of life
- Loss of property
- Release of toxic gases
- Loss of wildlife
- Damage to soil structure and nutrient content
13
Q
What are the secondary impacts of wildfires?
A
- Evacuation
- Increased flood risk (heavy vegetation can be removed, decreasing interception of flood water)
14
Q
How can a wildfire be prevented?
A
- Managing vegetation: Controlled burning to remove litter and creating firebreaks before the big fire
- Managing built environment: Increasing gaps between houses and vegetation by incorporating fire resistant methods
15
Q
How can a wildfire be prepared for?
A
- Education: Important to make people aware with regards to home safety and avoiding starting fire
- Warning systems
