2. Bushfires © Karen Devine 2010

3. Bushfires The fuel for bushfires includes: The fuel for bushfires includes: a) grass b) scrub c) Forests. © Karen Devine 2010

4. Bushfires Whilst fires are a natural disaster, their heat is also necessary to stimulate the opening of seed pods in forests which will contribute to new plant growth. Whilst fires are a natural disaster, their heat is also necessary to stimulate the opening of seed pods in forests which will contribute to new plant growth. © Karen Devine 2010

5. Bushfires In Australian history fire has been used to: In Australian history fire has been used to: a) clear land b) clear undergrowth in cane fields c) cook food. © Karen Devine 2010

6. Bushfires Bushfires are usually caused by: Bushfires are usually caused by: a) lightning strikes b) spontaneous combustion c) accidents with machinery and equipment d) arson. © Karen Devine 2010

7. Bushfires The 2 main types of bushfire include: The 2 main types of bushfire include: a) surface bushfires: burn in undergrowth b) crown bushfires: burn in treetops and are ignited by surface bushfires. © Karen Devine 2010

8. Bushfires Bushfires are most likely along Australia’s: Bushfires are most likely along Australia’s: a) South Western Coast b) Eastern Coast c) Tasmanian Island. © Karen Devine 2010

9. Bushfires The areas where fires are prevalent are: The areas where fires are prevalent are: a) sclerophyll forests which contain large numbers of eucalypts and a vast amount of undergrowth. b) Experiencing low rainfall and drought c) Experiencing heatwaves with strong, gusty winds d) Experiencing high pressure systems. © Karen Devine 2010

10. Bushfires There can be 3 main types of impacts of Bushfires: There can be 3 main types of impacts of Bushfires: a) Economic impacts b) Environmental impacts c) Social impacts. © Karen Devine 2010

11. Bushfires The impact of bushfires includes: The impact of bushfires includes: a) loss of or damage to property b) loss of animal life c) loss of human life d) pressures on emergency services e) changes to ecosystems. © Karen Devine 2010

12. Individual Responsibility Clearing of flammable materials around houses. Clearing debris out of rain gutters Formulate emergency response plan Clear branches which overhang houses Prepare a bushfire emergency kit. Establish hoses around perimeter Do not flick cigarettes out of car windows Take care with sparks from machinery Extinguish all BBQ’s Heed warnings. © Karen Devine 2010

13. Group Responsibility Businesses must develop an evacuation plan Develop and train bushfire services. © Karen Devine 2010

14. Governmental Responsibility Develop state emergency plans Fund and train emergency services Evaluate responses after major incidents Prosecute arsonists Develop “red alert” strategies. © Karen Devine 2010

15. Pause Point. Bushfires in Victoria February 2009. Bushfires in Victoria February 2009. Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video © Karen Devine 2010