The Paradise wildfires Flashcards
When was the Paradise wildfire?
8th of November, 2018
What physical factors make this area more susceptible to wildfires?
Topography - in a canyon, wildfire travels quickly uphill.
Climatic conditions - 7 inches or rainfall below national average. Temp higher than national average.
Weather - Very windy
Vegetation - Pine forests
What type of pine tree is present in paradise that was excellent fuel for the fire?
Ponderosa pine.
How has climate change affected the intensity of wildfires?
Earth heats up
Fuel dries out
Better wildfire conditions.
What human factors made the population more vulnerable?
WUI (wildland-urban-Interface)
Can’t have controlled fires because people live there!
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY - didn’t chop trees down - preserve the landscape.
What was the speed of the wildfire at peak spread?
Rate of 80 football fields per minute!
How many died in the fire?
Two fat ladies 88
What percentage of buildings were lost?
85% (economic and social)
How many burn overs occured?
19
Meant people couldn’t get out, firemen couldn’t get in!
How much damage in billions of dollars was caused by the fire?
$16.65 billion worth of damage!
What started the fire?
A fault on a Pacific Gas and Electric power line caused the initial spark.
What were the short term responses?
Paradise and Concow had evacuation warnings.
15th Nov, over 5,000 fire fighters sent in.
Give 2 long term responses
Pacific Gas and Electrical were able to settle claims for $30 billion role in starting camp fire for $13.5 bn.
North Valley Animal Disaster Group established an animal shelter at North Chico airport.
What factors delayed rebuilding
Covid 19
How many days did it burn for?
16 days.
