forest fire
What Causes Wildfire? How to Prevent Forest Fire?
Wildfires are increasing around the world due to increased temperatures and drier conditions. Although wildfires are a natural part of the ecology of many parts of the world, it is becoming more common due to climate change. And the climate is changing mostly due to human activity, which causes the Earth to warm and makes the air drier. Perhaps it increases the chances of wildfires. This article will take you through the ABCs of wildfire and climate change.
What is Wildfire?
Wildfire is a kind of natural disaster (sometimes man made) that can occur anywhere in the world. They are caused by dry conditions, strong winds, and other factors that can lead to the ignition of flammable materials. Once started, wildfires can spread quickly, consuming everything in their path.
In addition to the damage, they cause to homes and businesses, wildfires also pose a serious threat to human life. Every year, thousands of people are forced to evacuate their homes due to the danger of wildfire. In some cases, such as the California wildfires of 2018, the damage caused by these disasters can cost billions of dollars. Wildfires are a destructive force of nature that everyone should take seriously.
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Wildfire typically occurs in areas where there is an abundance of dry vegetation that can serve as fuel for the fire. Common regions where wildfires are frequent include parts of the western United States, Australia, and Western South Africa.
This year, the wildfire is at its worst. Because of the extremely hot weather around the world, many European countries are facing some dangerous wildfires in 2022. Cyprus, France, Portugal, and the UK are among the countries facing wildfire.
What Causes Wildfire?
When it comes to wildfires, there are a lot of factors that can contribute to their cause. Things like lightning, human activity, and even the weather can play a role in starting a fire. In dry conditions, a small spark can quickly turn into a large and out of control wildfire. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful when it comes to fire safety in areas that are prone to wildfires.
Read Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Solutions
Natural Causes of Wildfire
There are three natural causes of wildfires: dryness, wind, and heat. Wildfires need all three of these elements to start and spread. One of the most important things to remember about wildfires is that they can start from a tiny spark. All it takes is for the right conditions to be present, and a wildfire can quickly grow out of control.
Wildfires can start when there’s a buildup of dead trees in an area. The heat from the sun can then dry out the dead trees. This can lead to a buildup of firewood, which can then be set alight by a lightning strike. Also, winds during the fire can boost the wildfire.
Man Made Causes of Wildfire
According to a study, about 85% of wildfires in the USA are man made, and for the rest of the world, the figure would be similar. There are many different man made causes of wildfire. The most common cause is careless human activity, such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and fireworks. Other causes can include equipment malfunctions and arson.
Read Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
Effects of Wildfire
Wildfire is a natural part of our forest ecosystem. It helps to clear out dense undergrowth, creates openings in the forest canopy that allow sunlight to reach the ground, and helps to keep trees in check. However, wildfires can have both short-term and long-term effects on the environment.
The short-term effects of wildfire can include injuries or fatalities to people and animals, damage to homes and other structures, and air pollution. The smoke can cause respiratory problems, and the ash can contaminate water supplies. Wildfires can also cause mudslides and flash floods. In the short term, a wildfire can be a devastating force. In the short term, smoke inhalation can cause a range of respiratory problems, from minor irritation to more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.
In addition, wildfires can cause changes to the landscape that can lead to soil erosion and the loss of vegetation. While the immediate effects of a wildfire are well known, the long-term effects are often not as well understood.
Read How to stop global warming? How to combat climate change in Bangladesh?
Wildfires can have a devastating impact on human health, both in the short and long term. In the long term, exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even cancer. The physical damage caused by a wildfire can also have a long-lasting effect.
It can also cause changes in the local climate and wildlife. Economic effects can include the loss of property and infrastructure, as well as the cost of fighting the fire. Social effects can include the displacement of people, as well as the loss of life.
Ways To Prevent Wildfire
There are many ways that people can help prevent wildfires. Wildfire prevention starts with education. People need to be aware of the risks and how to prevent wildfires. Some of the things that people can do are: not leaving their campfires unattended, not throwing their cigarettes out the window, and not parking their cars on dry grass. Other ways to prevent wildfires are by having defensible space around their homes and by not having piles of wood or leaves close to their homes.
Read Climate Change: How Bangladesh is being affected by Global Warming?
Be sure to dispose of any flammable materials properly and never leave a fire unattended. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of wildfires.
Final Words
Wildfires can be caused by many factors, including weather conditions, human activity, and land management. By following a few simple tips, you can prevent these devastating events from happening in the first place. Educate yourself and your community about the dangers of wildfires, and be proactive when it comes to preventing them from happening.
2 years ago
Sundarbans fire proving difficult to put out
A fierce fire broke out at Daser Bharani under Sharankhola Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division on Monday morning.
Abdul Mannan, Sharankhola Station Officer (East Sundarbans), said the fire could not be put out till filing of the report around 6:15 pm.
Two units of Sharankhola Fire Service and Civil Defence Station as well as the forest department are working together to bring the fire under control.
Mannan said his team along with 25-30 forest rangers reached the spot around 11 am and tried to bring the flames under control. Later, they were joined by two units of fire service.
According to Sharankhola Fire Service Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Chattar, "The fire service team struggled to make any progress for lack of water. So, we decided to build a 2-km pipeline connecting the site of fire and Bhola river.
He, however, said the pipe installation work could not be completed yet.
Confirming the fire incident, Mohammad Belayet Hossain, divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Department, said: "We started cutting fire canals around the site to stop the fire from spreading. We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to put out the fire very soon."
Also Read: Four 'forest robbers' killed in Sundarbans 'gunfight'
The DFO also added that a three-member committee will be formed to investigate what actually caused the fire. "They’ll have to submit their report within seven working days. "
According to locals, the fire has already spread to a large area of the forest and it will not be possible to control it very easily as there is no water nearby.
They have alleged that some unscrupulous people often enter the forest illegally to collect honey. They collect honey from beehives by setting fire.
On February 8 this year, a fire at Dhansagar station under Chandpai range of the Sundarbans East Division had burnt down at least four decimals of forestland.
3 years ago
Lawachhara forest fire under control after 2 hours
A fierce fire that broke out at Lawachhara reserve forest on Saturday afternoon has been brought under control .
It was brought under control by a unit of Fire Service at 2:30 pm after over two hours of hectic efforts.
According to locals, some workers who were working in the student dormitory area of Lawachhara saw a fire in the forest at around 12:15 pm.
Upon receiving the news, a unit of Kamalganj Fire Service came to the spot, but faced a huge challenge to enter into the forest as there were no roads.
Lack of water in the area made the work much difficult for the fire service unit.
However, the fire was doused after more than two hours.
Rezaul Karim, a divisional forest official, said the source of the fire could not be known immediately.
Farukul Islam, in- charge of Kamalganj fire service said that some small trees and plants were burnt into ashes. The extent of loss could go up to Tk 1 lakh, he said.
Shahidul Islam, a range officer in Lawachhara , said they are investigation the cause of the fire incident.
3 years ago
Chile issues red alert over forest fire
Local authorities of Chile's southern region of Biobio issued a red alert on Saturday, after a forest fire burned 2.1 square km of vegetation.
4 years ago