Wildfires

Question 1

what is a wildfire?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

other names for wildfire?

Answer 2

brush fee
bush fire
grass fire
peat fire

Question 3

how does it differ from other fires?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

where do wildfires occur?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

what two key features do Mediterranean climate places have?

Answer 5

Mild wet winters:
ideal for growing vegetation forests

hot dry summers:
dries out plant materials
ideal fuel fire

Question 6

Natural Causes

Answer 6

lightning
volcanic ash
drought
high temp

Question 7

human causes

Answer 7

matches
slash and burn
camp fires
cigarettes
arson
broken glass

Question 8

how can climatic features of an area cause wildfires?

CLIMATE

Answer 8

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

fallen leaves AND BRANCHES DRY OUT: FUEL

strong winds fan flames

Question 9

what is

FIRE WEATHER

Answer 9

conditions
that encourage fires
to break out and spread

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