Wildfires Australia 2009 Flashcards
1
Q
where and when did they occur?
A
Victoria, started in Kilmore
7th february 2009
2
Q
what conditions favoured the wildfire?
A
-covered in eucalyptus forests which have an oily rich folliage
-temps over 40 degrees, mediterranean climate
-humidity as low as 2%
-wind over 100km/h
-common lightning strikes, can easily knock down power lines
-decline in rural population, decline in services
3
Q
what did the Fire Danger Index (FDI) peak at?
A
ususally a measure of 1-100, but peaked at 200
4
Q
human causes of the fires?
A
- complacency as fire had not occured in this region for a long time
- outdated and ineffective fire safety system used
- falling power lines
- sparks from power tools
5
Q
impacts?
A
- 173 death
- $4.4 billion damage
- 2,000 houses destroyed, 1,500 farm buildings destoryed
- estimated 1 million animals died (RSPCA), including 12,000 cattle
- loss of timber, fruit and standing crops
- electricity supply disrupted for 60,000 people
6
Q
short term responses?
A
- using fire proporgation model to determine direction of fire
- fire jelly
- deploying fire fighter with pulaski to destroy and bury vegetation
7
Q
long term responses?
A
- government enquires including a royal commision
- traing of fire officers for each neighbourhood, through things such as vegetation walks
- october of 2009, new fire system in place, pays more attention to Fire Danger Index (FDI) and making people evacuate their homes in times of high risk
8
Q
other badly affected areas?
A
Marysville, Kinglake, Bendigo, and Albury
