Fires in Nature

Global Distribution

Which technique is better?

Causes Dry fuel (Drought) – Dry Vegetation. Forests more risky than grassland = More fuel Vegetation types, eucalyptus contains oil which can explode Ignition Source – 90% caused by humans Arson Unattended campfires Power line failure Disguarded cigarettes Hot lightening strikes Lava Climatic conditions for spread – Dry winds from continental interiors

How might slopes affect the spread of wildfire? How might wind affect the spread of wildfire?

Trends – Can you describe and explain?

Growth In rural population Increased dry spells (links to climate change) Increase in power line distribution Increases in arson linked to transport and social media

Firebrands

May also be a ground layer in areas of dry peat

IMPACTS Primary (Immediate, days) Secondary (Long term) Environmental Social Economic Political Rank the cards into order of priority

https://www.usgs.gov/media/audio/fires-out-danger-remains-post-wildfire-debris-flows

Preparedness Zone 1 extends 30 feet* out from buildings, structures, decks, etc. Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds (vegetation). Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters. Trim trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees. Remove branches that hang over your roof and keep dead branches 10 feet away from your chimney. Relocate wood piles into Zone 2. Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows. Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks. Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.

Zone 2 extends 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc Zone 2 extends 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc.Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches. Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees. (See diagram) Create vertical spacing between grass, shrubs and trees. (See diagram) Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches. However, they may be permitted to a depth of 3 inches.

Fire Weather Watch 24-48 hours

Red Flag Warning Next 24 hours! Informs local emergency services to be ready Land owners to take preventative action Open fires/bbq’s banned temporarily

Mitigation Detection – public, thermal imaging, drones Back burning Disaster Aid

Prevention - Education http://www.readyforwildfire.org/docs/files/File/Ready-Set-Go-Plan-09_CALFIRE_sm.pdf And now a new app http://www.govtech.com/applications/California-Partners-with-Developer-on-New-App-for-Wildfire-Alerts-and-Education.html

Adaptation Non toxic building materials Escape routes

Black Saturday Wildfires