Week 9
Would you live in an area prone to wildfires? If so, where? What level of risk from wildfires is acceptable to you? (How would you know if the subsidence risk was assessed accurately?) What should be done by people and communities in areas prone to wildfires to prepare for the hazard and prevent catastrophe?
What factors influence the impact of wildfires? How do wildfire hazards vary from place to place? Why? The five concepts from Chapter 1
What is it? Self-sustaining Rapid High temperature “Biochemical oxidation reaction” Releases Heat Light Other products
Preignition – preheating & pyrolosis Temperature increases Water content decreases Combustion Ignition Flaming Glowering/smoldering Extinction
Sufficient quantity required to maintain fire and allow movement Size Arrangement Moisture content
South-facing slopes Exposure to prevailing winds Steep slopes Dry conditions Rain Humidity Wind
Ground Surface Crown
Any place with sufficient fuel Commonly Dry grasslands Forests Triggers Drought Disease Fire suppression
Water-repellent soils Mass wasting Soil erosion Vegetation Habitat
Aesthetic Homes
Understand fire regime Remote sensing Prescribed burns Building codes Fire insurance Minimizing wildland/urban interface