wildfires Flashcards
what is a wildfire
a wildfire is an unplanned uncontrolled and unpredictable rural fire
crown wildfire
a wildfire that spreads across tree canopies from tree to tree
how hot can crown fires be
up to 1100 degrees celcisus
how easily can crown fires spread and why
very easily due to high exposure to wind, allowing the fire to be blown from tree to tree
what is a ground fire
a fire that burns beneath the ground in layers of dry organic peat
how hot can ground fires be
up to 540 degress celcius
how easily do ground fires spread
ground fires do not spread very easily or quickly
which type of fire burns for the longest time
ground fire
what is a surface fire
a fire that burns and spreads on the surface of the ground
what type of fire is most common
a surface fire
how hot can surface fires be
up to 900 degrees celcius
what type of fire is easiest to control
a surface fire
why is a surface fire the easiest to control
the fire is easily accesible and visible so can be put out before it gets too big
what does pyrophytic mean
plant species that can withstand fire through some sort of mechanism such as resistant bark
what is an example of a pyrophytic plant
the baobab tree
what are the benefits of wildfires
-can rid areas of parasites and diseases
-clear vegetation and aid new seed germination
what are the primary effects of wildfires
-loss of life
-loss of property
-loss of crops, timber and livestock
-releases toxic gases
-damage to soil and nurtients
what are the secondary effects of wildfires
-loss of business
-loss of tourism
-risk sharing (increase in insurance premiums)
-eutrophication of rivers
-increased levels of fear
-increased flood risk as there is less vegetation to intercept
what is required for a wildfire to start
-oxygen
-ignition source
-fuel
-hot dry areas
what are the physical causes of wildfires
-lightning
-spontaneous heating
-volcanic eruptions
what are the human causes of wildfires
-arson (deliberate starting of a firE)
-slash and burn farming techniques
-discarded cigarettes
-electric pylons falling over
what management can happen before a wildfire
-controlled burn to get rid of excess vegetation that acts as fuel
-education on how to reduce risk and decrease chances of accidentally starting a wildfire
-warning systems for evacuation
-managing the built environment, such as building houses further away
what management can happen during a wildfire
-fire fighting techniques including the use of sky jello
what managment can happen after a wildfire
-replanting trees to restart forestry related businesses
-replanting trees or cover vegetation to help stabilise the soil
-preparedness
distribution of wildfires
-monsoon climates where wet seasons allow vegetation to grow and is followed by a very hot dry season
