Bushfires
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What is a bushfire?
How do they start and what are the causes?
A bushfire burns shrubs, forest, grass in a slow paced form
A grassfire is another form of bushfire but spreads at a rapid speed
They can occur from lightning and high weather temperatures
Humidity
Drought
Rainfall amounts in between fires
They can start accidentally through human activity or deliberately such as arson
Elaborate & Evaluate
Being fire safe
Regularly mowing the lawn to 10cm
Keeping gardens moist and well-watered
Having a hose that is accessible from all areas of the house
Removal or storing of combustible and flammable fuel or tiems away from the house
Fire ban regulations
No fires are to be lit of the temperature reaches a certain degrees Celcius
No outdoor barbecues or fires permitted
Explore & Explain
Impacts
Environment, animals and people
Loss of homes and damage to property, farming lands, farming produce and infrastructure
Dangers to firefighters and community volunteers
Animals' loss of habitat and injury to them
Damage to plants
Crops and produce are damaged therefore farmers are at a loss
Smoke can cause air pollution
Thick hazes affecting people's respiratory systems and being sent to hospital, and eyesight during a fire whilst getting to safety
Explore & Explain
Ways to reduce impacts of bushfires
Creating awareness
Educating local community members and students
Being updated with fire safety regulations and checking weather conditions regularly from news reports, radio or social media
People living in bushfire prone areas should be fire ready
If there is a fire, block airways and turn off vents in the house.
Have a fire-kit ready including boots, hats, long sleeve shirts and an easily accessible fire hydrant
Ensure bushfire fuel is 100-150m away from the house
Have an evacuation plan
Planned Burning
Decreases the intensity of bushfires and also decreases the speed of a fire
Burns fuel that can easily catch fire such as bark, sticks, twigs, shrubs and leaves
It is conducted under specific weather conditions in a controlled environment
Planned burning is conducted by well-trained firefighters complying to all environmental acts
Community support to ensure those affected by bushfires are cared for
Loss of homes creates hardship for those affected; no shelter, clothes and a limited food supply
Some plants can adapt and regenerate after fires
They cannot recover after a fire and die