Fall Final Exam Flashcards
wildland fires
uncontrolled natural fires that spread quickly through plants & trees
wildland-urban interface
an area where natural, undeveloped land and human-made structures/communities meet & interact. It creates a zone with a high potential for wildfires & other natural hazards
why are wildland fires getting worse?
- climate change
- drought (makes it easier for fires to start)
- harmful human activities
- invasive species
- wildland-urban interface
- wind patterns (can influence speed that fires spread)
how are wildland fires managed?
- Prevention:
- Educate people about fire safety.
- Clear away flammable plants and trees.
- Preparedness:
- Make plans for emergencies and evacuations.
- Keep an eye on the weather for potential fire conditions. - Response:
- Send firefighters and equipment to control and put out fires.
- Evacuate people to keep them safe. - Recovery:
- Fix and replant areas affected by the fire.
- Help communities recover and rebuild. - Research and Planning:
- Study wildfires to understand and prevent them better.
- Plan how land is used to reduce fire risks.
wildland fire management tactics
Firebreaks:
- Creating cleared areas to stop the fire’s spread.
Controlled Burns:
- Intentionally starting safe fires to reduce fuel for potential larger fires.
Aerial Support:
- Using aircraft to drop water or fire retardants from above.
Firefighters:
- Sending trained crews with tools to the fire’s front lines.
Evacuation Planning:
- Developing plans to move people away from the fire safely.
Weather Monitoring:
- Keeping track of weather conditions to predict fire behaviour.
Community Engagement:
- Informing communities about fire safety and evacuation.
Technology and Equipment:
- Using advanced tools and technology for firefighting.
Rehabilitation and Recovery:
- Replanting vegetation and helping communities recover after the fire.
who pays for protection against wildland fires?
Government Agencies (Federal and state funds for prevention and management.)
Local Communities (Local taxes fund fire departments and emergency services.)
Private Property Owners (Homeowners contribute through protective measures and insurance.)
Nonprofits (Conservation groups may support prevention efforts.)
Collaborative Efforts (Joint funding by federal, state, local, and private entities.)
fire ecology
scientific study of the relationships between living organisms, the environment, and fire
how does fire ecology relate to nature?
Natural Process: Fire is a natural part of ecosystems.
Ecosystem Health: helps keep ecosystems healthy (cycles nutrients & prevents too much plant growth)
Biodiversity: creates diff habitats & influences types of plants & animals in an area.
Vegetation Changes: shapes how plant communities look (some plants need fire to grow)
Disturbance and Renewal: resets growth cycle & stops too many plants from building up
Seed Growth: Certain plants can only grow after a fire
Wildlife Homes: makes diverse homes for wildlife.
Climate Impact: Big fires can affect the climate by releasing CO2
Human Tradition: People used controlled fires for a long time to manage land.
Conservation and Management: Understanding fire helps us take care of ecosystems while balancing the benefits & risks for people.
why can some trees survive fire and some can’t?
Certain trees have evolved to live near fires so they might have special parts that resist burning.
Thick Bark: Trees w/ thick bark can withstand fire heat better bec it protects the inside of the tree.
Open Branches: Trees w/ fewer branches & leaves are less likely to catch fire.
Grow Back: Some trees can grow again after a fire, even if the top part is hurt.
Good Seeds: Certain trees have seeds that can survive fires/ need fire to grow.
Older Trees: Older trees with more experience can handle fires better.
Less Plants: Too many plants in an area can make fires worse & put trees in danger.
Weather Matters: Wind, humidity, & heat affect how fires spread. Trees in areas w/ good fire conditions face more risk.
People’s Role: People can change how often fires happen, which affects how well trees survive.
fire-adapted
- organisms, ecosystems, or species that have evolved features and strategies to cope with, benefit from, or recover after exposure to fire
- includes fire-resistant structures, resprouting abilities, seeding strategies triggered by fire, & synchronization of life cycles with fire events
fire dependent
organisms, ecosystems, or processes that rely on or are closely influenced by the presence of fire
what is prescribed fire? (a.k.a. controlled/planned fire)
is a deliberately set & carefully managed fire conducted under specific conditions and guidelines
why is prescribed fire used?
Fuel Reduction: strategically burning fuels under controlled conditions, the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires is minimized.
Ecosystem Restoration
Biodiversity Promotion
Invasive Species Control
Habitat Management
Preventing Wildfire Spread
Forest Health
Silviculture Practices
Community Protection
Education and Training
what is good/bad about prescribed fire?
Positive Aspects of Prescribed Fire:
Less Risky Wildfires
Healthy Ecosystems
Stopping Invasive Plants
Better Habitats
Soil Health
Forest Management
Community Safety
Training Opportunity
Negative Aspects of Prescribed Fire:
Smoky Air
Safety Risks
Weather Limits
Public Concerns
Ecological Worries
Regulatory Hurdles
Property Damage Risk
Coordination Challenges
how can prescribed fire be used to change forest succession?
Prescribed fires are like intentional, controlled burns used to shape how forests grow over time. Here’s how they can change the forest:
Stopping Growth
Helping Certain Plants
Controlling Big Trees
Supporting Fire-Friendly Plants
Mixing Tree Types
Preventing Big Wildfires
Copying Natural Disturbances
Keeping the Forest Healthy
