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

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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

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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