Benefits
How do plants grow back after a wildfire?
Plants are able to grow back quickly because of their deep roots and burls. Some seeds need fire to grow.
Name one animal that survives wildfire by burrowing into the ground?
Ground squirrel build deep burrows. Bees and mud wasps, lizards and snakes.
What force in nature can help push a fire into new areas and fuel it?
Wind
What is a Red Flag warning?
Red flag warnings prepare and warn humans about changing weather conditions.
What is the name of the plant that actually needs fire in order to germinate and grow?
Chamise
How do animals and humans use areas that have been cleared by wildfire?
Large Raptors are able to easily find prey because the plant cover is gone. The Chumash would also use the open spaces for hunting deer who are exposed because the oak brush has been burned away.
What endangered tree Native to Southern California is adapted to wildfire?
The Black Walnut Tree not only survives wildfirs but its resprouting stems also grow faster and photosynthesize at a higher rate.
What time of year do the Santa Ana winds occur?
Santa Ana winds occur in the Fall
When do you know it’s safe to come back to your house?
Only when a qualified official authority figure tells you it’s safe to return.
What is the average rainfall in areas with a Mediterranean climate?
15-18 inches of rain per year
How does wildfire increase the biodiversity of the Santa Monica Mountains?
When the wildfire burns the plants, the surrounding vegetation causes the recovering chaparral vegetation to grow back fast. New species have more access to nutrients in the soil and access to sunlight. Forest succession occurs typically 2-5 years after the fire.
How do different animals utilize the changing forms of the Chaparral?
Dense shrub before fire: Brush rabbits, field mice, kangaroo rats, and lizards find food, shelter and cover.
After the fire: Blackened branches make good perches for lizards and catch insects that have survived. It provides open area for predators to hunt their prey.
Re-growth: Spring comes and produces an abundance of plants and re-sprouts, which provide food and habitat for other small animals.
Define the characteristics of the Mediterranean climate?
Hot dry summers, cool wet winters, no moisture in the summer. Desirable climate=large population centers=increased impact on wild lands and wildfire
What are the two most common causes of wildfires?
Lightening, humans (cigarettes, campfires, etc)
What is a healthy amount of time for plants to re-establish themselves in chaparral habitats?
4 weeks
4 years
40 years
400 years
40 years
How can wildfires help aquatic plants and animals?
Through erosion, after it rains, the surface runoff from our watershed provides nutrients to local lakes and streams. In addition, when wildfires happen too frequently too many nutrients in the water systems can have negative effects.
How does the oak tree adapt to wildfire?
They have a thick dense trunk and tough bark that protects it.
Where in the world can you find a Mediterranean climate?
South-West Australia, Central Chile, Mediterranean Basin, Southern California, South Africa
How do wild land fire fighters prepare for Red Flag season?
They clear brush and do night patrols because most wildfires start in the night.
Why is wildfire ash helpful to seeds?
Tons of readily available nutrients. Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorous.
How does the fire beetle adapt to wildfire?
The fire beetle travels up to 20 miles to find a mate and lay their eggs on burning limbs.
Name two surrounding natural features that influence areas with Mediterranean climates. (hint think of what is west and east of us)
All areas lie adjacent to large bodies of water and large interior desert areas that dramatically heat summer winds. The temperature ranges from mild to very warm depending on distance from open ocean, elevation, latitude.
Name three things you can do to prepare for Red Flag season.
Pack an emergency kit (ready to go)
Preparedness techniques (First aid, water, food, clothes, batteries, etc.)
Clear the brush around your house (100 feet)
Know your emergency phone numbers
Describe your home evacuation plan.
Have a meeting place, stay calm.