New Delhi: California is fighting five major wildfires that have killed at least five people, and more than 1,500 structures have been destroyed. The wildfire has become a threat to famous landmarks. Of the five fires, two fires – Hurst and Lidia Fires have been partially contained. Wildfires can not just be a threat to one particular area but also to famous landmarks.
On its fire page, CAL Fire gave the following figures for the five major wildfires in California:
- Palisades fire, 17,234 acres, 0% containment
- Eaton fire, 10,600 acres, 0% containment
- Hurst fire, 855 acres, 10% containment
- Lidia fire, 348 acres, 40% containment
- Sunset fire, 43 acres, 0% containment
Do you know what a wildfire is, whether it can be deadly, and its global impact? Let us find out in this article.
Understanding Wildfire Causes: Natural and Human Factors
What is a wildfire?
A wildfire, also known as a forest fire or bushfire, is an uncontrolled fire in areas with dry plants and trees. Depending on the type of vegetation, wildfires may be referred to as bushfires (in Australia), grass fires, or other terms. Some forest ecosystems actually rely on wildfires to thrive. Modern forest management practices often include controlled burns to manage fire risks. However, these controlled burns can sometimes become wildfires by accident.
Wildfires commonly occur in places like Siberia (Russia), California (United States), British Columbia (Canada), and Australia. Areas with Mediterranean climates or in the taiga biome are especially vulnerable to wildfires.
What causes wildfires?
Wildfires start when three main elements come together:
1. Dry fuel, like leaves and grass
2. Oxygen in the air
3. Heat to start the fire
Heat can come from natural sources like lightning or human activities, such as campfires or discarded cigarettes. Lightning is the most frequent cause of wildfires. There are two types of lightning: cold and hot. Cold lightning is short and rarely starts fires. Hot lightning lasts longer and produces more heat, making it responsible for most natural fires. While lightning is unpredictable, good land and fire management can help reduce the intensity of wildfires, saving lives and protecting animals.
Climate change makes extreme lightning storms more likely. Warmer summers heat the ground and increase carbon emissions, leading to stronger updrafts and creating more powerful lightning.
Dry vegetation is a key factor for wildfires. High temperatures and low rainfall prepare vegetation for burning. In California, for example, dry vegetation increased by 65% in just a few months in 2021. Similarly, parts of Australia, with hot and dry conditions, have seen rainfall decline since 1970, making wildfires more common. In 2019, Australia faced severe bushfires that destroyed 11 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria, coinciding with record-high temperatures.
Human-Induced Wildfires
Humans can accidentally or deliberately start wildfires. Common human activities that ignite fires include campfires, equipment failures, and discarded cigarettes. Arson is a significant cause of wildfires.
The Impact of Wildfires: Environmental and Human Health Consequences
Impact on Plants and Animals
Plants and animals have developed traits that help them survive wildfires and use resources created by them. These adaptations can increase their chances of survival and reproduction after a fire. For example, some plants endure fires through protective features, quick growth, or flammable materials that promote further fires and reduce competition.
Impact on Humans
Wildfires near populated areas can severely impact the environment, homes, livestock, and human health. The extent of the impact depends on the fire’s size, speed, and proximity, as well as whether residents receive timely evacuation warnings.
Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), a major health concern. PM2.5 from wildfire smoke can lead to premature deaths and worsen health issues related to the lungs, heart, brain, skin, and other body systems.
It can also affect memory and cognitive function. Firefighters and emergency workers face risks from injuries, burns, and smoke inhalation, especially during high smoke levels.
Devastating wildfires are raging across California, claiming lives, destroying over 1,500 structures, and threatening iconic landmarks. The article explores wildfire causes (natural and human-induced), their impact on ecosystems and human health (including air pollution from smoke), and the escalating threat posed by climate change. Understanding wildfires is crucial for mitigating future risks. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
