hazards -causes of wildfires (human and natural)

Question 1

what are the natural causes of wildfires?

Answer 1

.lightning
.volcanic eruptions
.heat transfer processes (radiation, conductions, convection) preheat vegetation ahead of the flames -this causes the fire to spread more rapidly

Question 2

what are the human causes of a wildfire?

Answer 2

.discarded cigarettes
.poorly controlled campfires
.arson

Question 3

what areas are most vulnerable to the human causes of wildfires?

Answer 3

.woodland that is particularly close to urban areas is most vulnerable -these areas are known as ‘wildland-urban interfaces’

Question 4

what are the primary social impacts of a wildfire?

Answer 4

.loss of life – fast moving fires give little time for safe evacuation
.loss of property -with urban expansion into more rural areas more homes are at risk
.release of toxic gases and particulates causes air pollution

Question 5

what are the economic primary impacts?

Answer 5

.loss of crops, timber and livestock -loss of incomes for farmers

Question 6

what are the environmental primary impacts?

Answer 6

.loss of wildlife – destruction of habitats and ecosystems and death of animals, which impacts food
chains
.damage to soil structure and nutrient content

Question 7

what are the secondary social impacts?

Answer 7

.displacement –people may flee from the fire and may not be able to return to the affected area for
some time

Question 8

what are the secondary economic impacts?

Answer 8

.loss of income or unemployment in affected industries e.g. logging, agriculture and tourism
.cost of reconstruction and rebuilding –including replacing farmland, infrastructure, crops and livestock

Question 9

what were the secondary environmental impacts?

Answer 9

.increased flood risk – where vegetation is removed, the lack of interception can lead to faster surface runoff
.increased carbon emissions impact on the greenhouse effect and climate change

Question 10

can wildfire have positive impacts as well as negative impacts?

Answer 10

.yes, there are some positives to wildfires

Question 11

what were the secondary political impacts?

Answer 11

.develop strategies for preparedness and mitigation
.review laws and advice regarding use of at-risk areas

Question 12

what are the positive impacts to wildfires?

Answer 12

.wildfires remove dead or dying material from the forest floor, as well as harmful insects and
diseased plants -this encourages new plant growth
.some species of plant cannot reproduce without fire eg -Douglas fir and ponderosa pine need fire to aid seed germination