Wildfires (with case studies) Flashcards
1
Q
What factors affects the nature of a fire
A
- Plants involved
- Strength of Winds
- Topography (where things are located)
2
Q
What is required for a fire to occur and spread
A
- Ignition source
- Fuel (dry enough to burn)
3
Q
What are the sources for a lot of wildfires?
A
- Matches
- Cigarettes
- Camp fires
- Agricultural fires (burning)
4
Q
What places in the world are at most risk to wildfires?
A
- Parts of Australia
- USA and Canada (California/Florida)
- Southern Europe
5
Q
What is it called when a species can withstand a fire?
A
Pyrophytic
6
Q
Direct effects of Wildfires
A
- Loss of crops, timber and livestock
- Loss of life and property
- Release of toxic gases
- Damage to soil structure
7
Q
Secondary effects of Wildfires
A
- Evacuation
- Increase flood risk (loss of vegetation)
8
Q
What ways can you prepare for Wildfires?
A
- Managing vegetation
- Education (not start fires and safety)
- Warning systems (lookout towers, air control)
- Modelling (study way fire behaves)
9
Q
What place was hit by Wildfires?
A
Victoria (Australia)
February 2009
10
Q
Why is Victoria vulnerable to Wildfires?
A
- Covered by eucalyptus forests (easily burns)
- 40 degrees during summer months
- Susceptible to high winds
11
Q
Effects of Victoria Wildfire (Australia)?
A
- 173 fatalities
- 7,000 people displaced from homes
- 1 million acres of of forest burnt
- A$4.4 billion cost
- Agricultural losses (land and livestock)
12
Q
What has Australia done for future preparations after Victoria WIldfire?
A
- New fire hazard system (BOM)
- New building regulations (ban housing in risk areas)
