Wildfires Flashcards
What are the three types of wildfires?
Ground fires, Surface fires, Crown fires
What are ground fires?
Burn beneath the ground surface with tree roots and peat layers burning. Smouldering, slow moving and can last days to weeks with no smoke visible.
What are surface fires?
Burn low-lying vegetation such as grass, bushes and small trees. Most common and can move quickly.
What are crown fires?
Burn through the canopy layer. Most dangerous and destructive type, move quickly and produce intense heat and flames.
Which continent do wildfires not occur?
Antarctica
What areas experience the highest number of wildfires?
Brazil, Indonesia and Australia
What countries are wildfires very common?
Russia, Canada and USA
What does the vegetation type have to be for a wildfire?
Dense=more intense=spread quickly=longer burn time
Eucalyptus=highly flammable oils=burn very easily
What are the fuel characteristics for a wildfire?
Amount of grass, trees, grass and dead plant material affects likelihood and severity.
Fine and dry material catches fire easily.
Climate for a wildfire?
Dry weather= flammable
High temperatures=increased evaporation=dry vegetation=ignites
Strong winds=fan flames=spread quickly
Lightning storms=ignition
Climate change= increasing frequency and severity
Behaviour of wildfires?
More intense fires=higher flames=ignite trees and vegetation
Fires spread quickly uphill due to increased heat and wind
Fires have multiple fronts and can change direction quickly and move unpredictably
What are natural causes of wildfires?
Lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions and even heat from the sun
What are human causes of wildfires?
Campfires and barbecues getting out of control, lit cigarettes discarded, sparks from machinery and power lines and arson
What are the primary social impacts of wildfires?
*Deaths and injuries
*Displacement of people
*Damage to properties and infrastructure
*Damage to crops
What are the secondary social impacts of wildfires?
*Mental health issues(stress, anxiety and depression)
*Health issues such as repsiratory illness caused by smoke inhalation
*Homelessness
*Food shortages
What are the primary economic impacts on wildfires?
*Destruction of property and infrastructure
*Disruption fo trade and economic activity
*Loss of crops and timber
*Loss of income and employment
*Cost of immediate responses
What are the secondary economic impacts form wildfires?
*Slower economic growth and development
*Increased economic inequality as impacts are more severe for most vunerable people
*Increased costs of insurance and hazard management strategies
What are the primary environmental impacts of wildfires?
*Destruction of habitats and ecosystems
*Loss of biodiversity
*Atmospheric pollution from smoke and toxic gases
*Water pollution as ash gets into water
What are the secondary environmental impacts from wildfires?
*Long term impacts of food webs and ecosystems
*Increased soil erosion and leaching due to lack of trees and vegetation
*Damage to soil and loss of soil fertility
*Increased risk of flooding
*Release of carbon emissions contributes to clinate change
What are the primary political impacts from wildfires?
*Pressure on governments to coordinate emergency response
What are the secondary political impacts from wildfires?
*Changes in forest management policies to reduce chances of fire
What are the short term repsonses to wildfires?
*Firefighters work to contain and extinguish the fire as soon as possible
*Warnings and evacuation notices issued
*Fire diverted away from settlements
*Water sprayed onto land and buildings to reduce flammability
*Search and rescue operations implemented
*Monitoring of air quality to issue advisorieds about risk of respirartory illness
What are the long-term responses to wildfire?
*Public eductaion campaigns to reduce chances of wildfires
*Preparation and training of emergency services
*Creating firebreaks in forested areas to reduce spread
*Using less flammable materials in construction e.g. using more stone and brick rather than wood
*Improvement of monitoring and warning systems
*Restoration of damaged ecosystems
Strategies to reduce wildfire hazard
*Prune trees to make sure they are safe distance fro your house and there are branches close to the ground
*Stack firewood at least 10 metres away from your house
*Clear gutters and roofs to remove debris
Mow grasses and weeds to keep short
*Reduce the amount of vegetation close to your home and plant fire resistant plants
How can weather be monitored for conditions?
For when there are conditions for high risk fires (e.g. dry vegetation, strong winds and lightning storms)
How can firebreaks be used?
Reduce chances of wildfires spreading by creating deliberate gaps in forested areas.
How is controlled burning helpful?
Controlled burning reduces the amount of fuel available.
Why is it also important to improve infrastructure?
Improvement in infrastructure allows for better access for emergency vehicles during wildfires.
How can land-use zoning aid wildfires?
Can reduce the amount of flammable material in areas at higher risk.
How can buildings codes aid?
Building codes can be implemented to ensure fire-resistant materials are used in construction and sprinkler systems are installed.
