Wildfires

Question 1

What is a Wildfire?

Answer 1

Uncontrolled fires that destroy forests, grassland and other areas of vegetation. They usually occur in rural areas, but if they reach inhabited areas, they will destroy agricultural land and settlements.

Question 2

Three types of Wildfires?

Answer 2

1) Ground fire - Slow, smouldering fire, no flame and little smoke.
2) Surface fire - Leaf litter and low-lying vegetation burn.
3) Crown fire - Moves rapidly through canopy. Intense and fast moving.

Question 3

Conditions for intense Wildfires?

Answer 3

• Thick undergrowth, closely spaced trees e.g Eucalyptus, help spread of fire
• Dine, dry material to catch and burn quickly
• Rainfall sufficient for vegetation to grow before
• Distinct dry season
• Strong winds
• Fire may be creeping or running, running is more intense
• Fires can throw out burning debris.

Question 4

Natural causes of Wildfires?

Answer 4

Lightning or Volcanic eruptions

Question 5

Human causes of Wildfires?

Answer 5

Dropping cigarettes 
Campfires/ barbecues 
Fireworks
Machinery sparks 
Arson

Question 6

Social impacts of Wildfires?

Answer 6

• People killed or injured
• Homes destroyed
• Destroy power lines, damage reservoirs, no electricity or clean water
• Health issues

Question 7

Economic impacts of Wildfires?

Answer 7

• Destroy businesses
• Insurance premiums increase
• Cost to fight wildfires is huge
• Discourage tourism

Question 8

Political impacts of Wildfires?

Answer 8

• Governments face criticism

- Governments may have to change forest management practices.

Question 9

Environmental impacts of Wildfires?

Answer 9

• Habitats destroyed
• Soils damaged, removing organic matter
• Air pollution from smoke, water sources contaminated with ash
• But some ecosystems rely on wildfires to clear dead organic matter and allow for new germination

Question 10

Short-term responses to Wildfires?

Answer 10

• Try and put the fire out, diverting it away from settlements.
• Evacuating people from areas at risk
• Spraying water, prevent embers setting alight.

Question 11

Long-term responses to Wildfires?

Answer 11

Prevention - public education, authorities provide fire beaters to prevent spread of fire.
Preparedness - emergency plans and supplies, emergency shelters
Adaptation - changing the way in which people live, e.g non-flammable building materials, fire breaks to stop fire spreading.

Question 12

Example?

Answer 12

South-East Australia Feb 2009

• Burned for a month in Victoria state
• intensity greater due to 10 years of drought, over 40°C heat and strong winds
• Lack of management meant lots of fuel, forest litter and much was caused by faulty power lines

Question 13

Impacts of Australian Wildfires 2009?

Answer 13

• 173 killed, 400 injured
• 2000 horses in 78 communities destroyed
• 60 businesses destroyed
• Cost around $4 Billion
• 4300km2 of land burned, destroying habitats and wildlife.

Question 14

Responses to Australian Wildfires 2009?

Answer 14

• 20 000 firefighters and volunteers
• $400 million donated to rebuild houses and facilities
• Fire shelters built and warning system put in place