3.1.5.6 Fires in nature

Wildfires

Uncontrolled fires burning on natural vegetation in rural areas

Factors causing wildfires

Vegetation, Climate/weather conditions, Topography

Vegetation factors causing wildfires

Eucalyptus and pine forests promote fire due to flammable oils, thick and close vegetation, dry vegetation increase ignition risk

Climate/weather conditions causing wildfires

Prolong heatwaves cause evaporation and increase flammability, strong winds transport embers and increase oxygen supply alongside exacerbating drying, droughts create dry and easily combustible biomass

Topography conditions causing wildfires

Fires travel faster upslope due to flames preheating vegetation, south facing slopes receive more solar radiation

Crown fires

Burn tree from bottom to top

Surface fires

Only burn leaf litter

Ground fires

Burn vegetation below the surface

Natural causes of wildfires

Lightning, volcanic activity, spontaneous combustion

Human causes of wildfires

Accidental, Arson, land use change burning out of control

Environmental impacts of wildfires

Air pollution, habitat loss, greenhouse effect, invasive species removed and seed germination

Economic impacts of wildfires

Destruction of businesses, cost of fighting the fire, rebuilding costs, loss in tourism sector

Social impacts of wildfires

Loss of life/injury, damage to power lines, health problems, homelessness

Political impacts of wildfires

Pressure on authorities for response, government buildings destroyed, decisions about regulations/laws, pressure to act on global warming

Prevention/Preparedness strategies

Public awareness to fringe areas with Red flag Warning and Smokey the bear, defensible space creation, controlled burning, personal emergency and evacuation training and plans

Mitigation strategies

Satellites/infa red cameras detect ignition, fuel management/firebreaks, extinguish attempts, personal land use planning, non toxic emissions materials

Adaption strategies

Fuel management, Fire resistant buildings, Reduce personal CO2 emissions, early warning systems