Introduction & How Wildfires Work
What is an unexpected fire that burns through forests or grasslands?
A Wildfire
Does climate change play a role in causing wildfires?
Yes!
Which one of us talked about the social impact(stakeholders) of wildfires? Abijith, Harshitha or Antoan?
Harshitha!
What does seep stand for?
Social, Economical, Environmental & Political
True or False: Canada is prone to wildfires
True
What is the most common cause of wildfires?
Human Activity
What happens to water sources after wildfires?
Pollution
Wildfires don't affect people living in urban areas. True or False?
False!
True or False: It takes decades or even centuries for a forest to grow after being burnt
True
In what kind of areas do wildfires occur (ex.desert)
Wildfires occur in forests, grasslands and shrubland areas.
Name two natural causes of wildfires
Lighting strikes and volcanic eruptions
What happens to the soil after plants and trees burn in wildfires?
Soil Erosion
Why are elderly people at greater risk during wildfires?
May struggle with evacuations, their health is more vulnerable to smoke effects
Do people have a long or short notice before needing to evacuate?
They usually have a short notice
When trees burn they expel WHAT into the atmosphere which is the major reason for global warming
CO2 / Carbon dioxide
What weather conditions help wildfires spread rapidly?
Windy and hot conditions
One positive impact of wildfires on plant growth
Adds nutrients to the soil
How do wildfires impact Indigenous Communities?
Loss of natural resources disrupts cultural practices like relying on the land for food and water
Name 2 ways in which wildfires affect people(social)
Physical health, Brain damage, Mental Health, and Displacement.
When do wildfires usually occur in Canada?
April - September
What are the 3 elements of the "fire triangle"?
Heat, Fuel & Oxygen
Why is it bad for the soil to get sterilized during a wildfire?
It kills bacteria which is essential for plant growth
What differences do rural and urban populations face during wildfires?
Rural areas have higher direct fire risks, cities experience smoke, air pollution, and disruptions like road closures
Does the Canadian government have a program that will give wildland firefighting training to EVERYONE?
No, the program is to give 1,000 community-based people wildland firefighting training (especially in rural or Indigenous areas)
Why are there more wildfires in the western regions of the USA? OR: What regions were included in the 2023 Canadian wildfire season?
Because the vegetation there is dryer, it is perfect for a wildfire. OR: Regions include the North, the Atlantic provinces, and the West Coast