Wildfire Facts
In this recent year, California's air quality plummeted due to wildfires across the State. (Hint: it coincided with a relatively well-known global pandemic, making the poor especially dangerous)
When was 2020?
Forests act as this type of carbon reservoir, helping to mitigate climate change.
What is a carbon sink?
This industrious mammal, known for building dams and lodges, plays a vital role in creating wetlands and maintaining water ecosystems in California forests.
What is a beaver?
This term describes the intentional burning of vegetation under controlled conditions to prevent larger, uncontrolled wildfires.
What is a prescribed burn?
This infamous fire, which began in November 2018, became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history.
What was the Camp Fire?
Forests facilitate this by providing diverse habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. (hint: answer is lowkey in this prompt.)
What is Biodiversity?
This small amphibian, often found near streams and rocky areas in California forests, is known for its climbing abilities and distinctive calls.
What is the California tree frog?
Mechanically altering forest areas to reduce fuel loads and create openings between trees is known as this wildfire mitigation technique.
What is forest thinning or fuels reduction?
This utility company was found responsible for the Camp Fire due to faulty electrical transmission lines.
What is Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)?
Forests influence the formation and maintenance of this natural resource by capturing and slowly releasing precipitation into aquifers. (hint: this resource is key to California's water crisis.)
What is groundwater?
This colorful fish, known for its distinctive pink stripe and speckled body, is often found in the cold, clear streams and rivers of California forests.
What is the rainbow trout?
This practice involves clearing away dead vegetation and creating a barrier to slow or stop the spread of wildfires.
What is creating a firebreak?
This technology is used to predict and monitor wildfires, helping to manage and mitigate their impact. (hint: also used for collecting data for google maps. Also the BRAE department has classes for these techniques)
What are satellite imaging and remote sensing?
Forests contribute to the regulation of this underground layer of water, which is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing water for human use. (hint: one of the words in the answer is a piece of furniture)
What is the water table?
This large omnivorous mammal, commonly found in California forests, is recognized by its thick fur and ability to climb trees.
What is the black bear?
This mitigation measure happens before the wildfire begins and helps to prevent wildfires. (hint: PG&E has been doing this and should continue to do this.)
What is undergrounding powerlines?
This organization, known for its "Smokey Bear" mascot, plays a crucial role in wildfire prevention and education in the United States.
What is the United States Forest Service (USFS)?
Forests provide this crucial service because of the presence of their root systems.
What is erosion control?
This elusive member of the weasel family, known for its nocturnal habits and semi-aquatic lifestyle, can be found in the riparian habitats of California's forests.
What is the American mink?
This method occurs pre-wildfire. Analysis can be done from behind a desk and utilizes GIS. Doing this can help stakeholders spatially consider areas of concern.
What is Wildfire risk mapping?