It is no secret that bushfires are becoming a more common occurrence in the wake of global warming. We are seeing them crop up in many parts of Australia, spreading from the coast to the central forests and beyond. The burning of bushfires has not only taken the lives of campervans and hikers, but it has also destroyed houses, homes and other property. In rural areas, entire communities have had to be evacuated and cordoned off due to the unexpected outbreak of bushfire smoke. How did bushfire risks get to be so high in the first place?
The main driver behind bushfires is the speed with which the heat of the fire travels
The main driver behind bushfires is the speed with which the heat of the fire travels. This means that as the fire progresses, it is hotter, and sooner it can spread. As long as the fire has not reached over thirty per cent of the surface area of the land, then there is not likely to be any serious damage caused. The bushfire is allowed to spread until it has consumed all available fuel and burned down completely. A bushfire is often referred to as a black snake because of its length and because it tends to move rather quickly (sometimes covering several miles).
Unfortunately, a bushfire does not burn only in summer. There is evidence of bushfires happening in winter as well. This seems odd when you consider that fires are usually thought of as just backyard fires in the summer months. But when bushfires start in the winter, they are usually because the air is cold, and the risk of catching fire when exposed to open flame is even higher.
Why are bushfire risks so high?
So the question remains: why are bushfire risks so high? It is believed that in winter due to the temperature fluctuations, more heat is absorbed by the ground. This excess heat is then released as flames from the bushfire start to take hold. This allows the fires to spread quickly and spread around the land. They can easily spread in no time.
Luckily, bushfire risks aren’t just a problem for the general public. Many people have lost their homes and cars to bushfires and have suffered serious injuries. Many of these fires have been caused by lightning. Lightning causes bushfires in a much different way. Instead of starting at a specific location, it starts from any combustible fuelwood, paper, petrol, diesel and gas. These kinds of fires do not just’ spark’ in the middle of the night; they start slowly and spread either throughout the night or over the course of an entire day.
Bushfires in Australia are common and is considered to be one of the most significant environmental risks to Australia. There is evidence of bushfire burning in more than half of the Northern Territory; the Department of Environment states that there is a significant risk of fire in this region. The Northern Territory is Australia’s most remote region; it is also the country with the highest incidence of bushfire fires.
There are many theories about why bushfires are more prevalent in summer. One of the major contributors is the warmer temperatures, which are more easily converted to fire by the hotter summer sun than in winter, leading to more bushfire outbreaks. It also happens that, because of the summer heat, people tend to be more active than usual in the evenings. It is also believed that many people leave too many open logs lying around in their gardens – this encourages bushfire growth because the flames eat through the logs.
Bushfires in Australia are common due to the vulnerability of the land to heat, wind and rainfall.
Why are bushfires in Australia so common? The answer lies in the vulnerability of the land to heat, wind and rainfall. If there is high humidity and heat,, then it increases the risk of bushfire because the flames will fuel the growth of bacteria and fungus and can easily spread.
How do we prevent bushfire damage?
There are several prevention methods and bushfire regulations in place to try and limit the spread of bushfires. When choosing a fireplace for your home, ensure that it is certified to be used with fire in mind. Never leave a wood-burning stove unattended and have a plan for the future so that you can avoid bushfire events in the future.
