Wildfires Flashcards

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1
Q

what is a wildfire?

A
uncontrolled fire
in combustable vegetation
that occurs in the countryside
or 
wilderness area
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2
Q

other names for wildfire?

A

brush fee
bush fire
grass fire
peat fire

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3
Q

how does it differ from other fires?

A

extensive size
speed
unexpectedly change directions
ability to jump gaps e.g. roads, rivers, fire breaks

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4
Q

where do wildfires occur?

A

countries with
Mediterranean climate
eg
portugal, spain, france, greece

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5
Q

what two key features do Mediterranean climate places have?

A

Mild wet winters:
ideal for growing vegetation forests

hot dry summers:
dries out plant materials
ideal fuel fire

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6
Q

Natural Causes

A

lightning
volcanic ash
drought
high temp

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7
Q

human causes

A
matches
slash and burn
camp fires
cigarettes
arson
broken glass
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8
Q

how can climatic features of an area cause wildfires?

CLIMATE

A

wildfires spread quickly during long period of hot dry weather e.g. drought

fallen leaves AND BRANCHES DRY OUT: FUEL

strong winds fan flames

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9
Q

what is

FIRE WEATHER

A

conditions
that encourage fires
to break out and spread

long period of high pressure
and temperatures
no clouds or rain
strong hot dry winds

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