Wildfires Flashcards
What is a quasi-natural hazard?
a hazard which can be occur as a result of human factors as well as physical factors
What are crown fires?
fires that spread through the upper layers such as the canopy of trees
What are surface fires?
fires that spread across the litter/lower layer
What are wildfires?
large, uncontrolled fires that quickly spread through vegetation
How might the vegetation present make a wildfire more likely?
dry, fine vegetation will burn easier. closely packed vegetation will allow fires to spread more.
What climates allow wildfires to form?
climates where there is sufficient rain for vegetation to grow, but enough dry spells to dry out the fuel (Mediterranean, Savannah)
How does wind impact wildfires?
strong winds will result in fires spreading more quickly
what is the most common natural ignition source for wildfires?
lightning
What are 3 examples of human ignition sources?
- pylons falling (links to EQs)
- inappropriate disposal of cigarettes
- campfires and disposable BBQs
- slash/burn becoming out of control
all of these can be made worse by increasing interaction with rural areas through tourism and urban sprawl
What are the 2 things needed for wildfires to form?
- ignition source
- fuel (vegetation)
What are the primary environmental impacts of wildfires?
- water pollution
- air pollution
- toxic gases
- habitats destroyed
What are 2 examples of fire-resistant vegetation?
- Baobab tree (thick bark, water storage)
- Banksia
What are the primary economic impacts of wildfires?
- businesses destroyed
- agricultural land destroyed
- cost of fighting fires
What are the primary social impacts of wildfires?
- people can be killed
- homes destroyed
- evacuations (missing persons)
What is a primary political impact of wildfires?
- govt. buildings can be destroyed
What is a positive environmental impact of wildfires?
- clear over-crowded vegetation
- can stimulate seed germination
What are the negative, secondary environmental impacts of wildfires?
- CO2 released can contribute to the enhanced greenhouse efffect
- impacts migration patterns of animals
What are 2 secondary economic impacts of wildfires?
- rebuilding and insurance is expensive
- income is lost
- fewer visits limits tourism sector
What are 2 secondary social impacts of wildfires?
- homelessness
- food shortages caused by damaged agricultural land
- health problems from smoke inhalation
What are 2 secondary political impacts of wildfires?
- borrowing money for aid
- pressure about global warming; due to increased frequency
How could wildfires be prevented?
- large areas of vegetation cleared
- education; cigarettes, litter, BBQs etc
How can people prepare for wildfires?
- education
- planned evacuation routes
- essentials stored away from home
- fire breaks
- have heat-resistant room for valuables
Give an example of a programme trying to help people prepare for wildfires
Colorado State Fire Service, give advice on how to protect property
What is the primary aim of mitigation?
to reduce the damage wildfires cause to property
How might the impacts of a wildfire be different to those of other hazards?
typically fewer deaths and more environmental impacts, these are potentially more widespread
What are 2 factors increasing the risk of wildfires in the LA basin?
- santa ana winds caused by topography
- lots of dry, shrub-like vegetation
Give an example of a national wildfire education program…
Smokey bear, USA
since 1944
