Brianna Polosky Harry Skroch Geeta Rastogi Parker Raymond Grace Ryba

Wildfires Wildfires can be caused by heat, drought, and thunderstorms. When it is too hot in a place and the heat created a fire. When its so dry and hot the forest or wildlife light on fire. Wildfires are flames that are un-controlled. The burn a lot of land and everything within that land in a very short time. However they can last for weeks, and even months. Wildfires are very dangerous and can come in 10 different forms.

Why Wildfires Occur Wildfires can be caused by nature but, 80% of Wildfires are caused by humans- from careless mistakes using fire. However Wildfires can occur purposely, it’s called controlled burning. Controlled burning is where fire fighters intentionally start fires get rid of the fuel source of the fire. And to remove: undergrowth, brush, or garbage on the ground. They can also occur because of extreme heat, drought or thunderstorms. They can occur when oxygen fuel, and a heat source come together. “It occurs when there is a heat source, there is fuel, and when there is oxygen. The fuel can be anything that encourages the fire, anything supplied by the air. Heat sources can be anything that is hot, like the sun, cigarettes, or hot winds. The oxygen helps the fire to burn.” –National Geographic

Three Big Examples 1. North Eastern Wisconsin and upper Michigan ,200-2,400 deaths 2. San Bernadino, California, U.S deaths 3. Hinckley, Minessota deaths

Where are Wildfires most likely to happen? Wildfires are most likely to happen in the West, due to the tremendously dry weather. Santa Ana winds in the West help to severely spread Wild Fires. They’re common in places where temperatures are moist grow trees and shrubs, but have long dry and hot periods. And usually occur in the summer. Wildfires tend to be most common and severe in years of drought and happen on days with very strong winds.

Wildfire in the San Bernadino Mountains, California Tuesday,10/26/07 4:00 AM 20 people were killed in the Wildfire in the San Bernadino Mountains, and 60 were injured. There were over 1,500 buildings destroyed, which cost San Diego county 1 billion dollars. It was reported on CNN. There was 18 mile long walls of fires of Cedar trees in a popular tourist location town of Julian.

Images of San Bernadino Mountains FIRE IN 2007

Update on Big Example Many houses and buildings were absolutely destroyed. "It's like the fire went all around us," says the resident of Arrowbear, in the mountains. "Four years ago was nothing like this. We were out for two weeks then. This is 10 times worse.“ (The Gaurdian) Now they say its like a “ghost-town”. Flames spread across 800 sq miles (2,072 sq km), fanned by Santa Ana winds gusting at 100mph (161kph) 8,000 firefighters tackled the blaze 500,000 people fled from their homes 10,000 people took shelter in the San Diego football stadium 2,000 buildings were destroyed. 20 people died More than 60 people have been injured

Prevention and Preparation for/of Wildfires If you live in an area where wildfires occur often here are some ways to prepare and prevent them: You should always have an emergency kit. Your house should be designed with wildfire safety in mind, and should be made with fireproof resources. You should plant flame resistant bushes and trees. Clean your chimney often and make sure your damper works properly. Have smoke alarms on every level of your house. Especially near bedrooms. Test the smoke alarms often. Own and know how to use a fire extinguisher. Keep fire tools (a rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket or shovel) near by. And a ladder that reaches the roof.

Additional Information This year there were 30% more wildfires than an average year in the U.S. Global warming makes the heat worse, which is making wildfires more and more common. Each year in the U.S. some homes survive - while many others do not - after a major wildfire. That’s because more and more people decide to build their homes near woodland areas. When wildfires begin, the often go unnoticed for a long period of time. They usually start by lightning or accidents. And spread fast, setting trees, and homes on fire.

Bibliography: National Geographic- Wild Fires Fire Science Degree- Top 25 Wildfires of All Time The Gaurdian- Wild Fires