causes of bushfires

Causes of Bushfires
Bushfires are caused by both man- made and natural causes. The factors that cause them to occur include leaving a fire unattended, having an open fire on a dry windy day, the glass from a mirror causing a small flame to become a powerful wildfire, arson and lightening are all causes of bushfires, however humans are the cause of 76% of all bushfires that occur.

Social impacts
The impact of bushfires on the people of region can be huge and completely devastating. Some of the more obvious affects include loss of life, injury, lasting health problems and loss of livelihood including property, income and business.

As well as straight affecting people, a bushfire can also indirectly affect citizens with loss of power which as a result shows in loss of communication. AS well as this, due to the fact that many people are not up to date about the risks and danger of bushfires, many are traumatised if one occurs.

These were the social impacts evident:
. The deaths of 173 people
.414 people were injured
.The loss of over 2000 homes.

Bushfires: BE Prepared As bushfire season approaches, it is important that you make sure you have taken the necessary steps to protect yourself, your family and your property from danger. Well-prepared homes are better protected from bushfires.

The bushfire season in Australia is usually during summer and autumn, but in the north of Australia it is during the dry season, which is in winter. Before the bushfire season, it is important to take steps to protect your home for the coming season.

. Store all flammable material clear of the house (wood, paint, chemicals, fuel, piles of newspaper/paper).

. Remove rubbish from the gutters, rake the dry leaves and dispose of them thoughtfully, and also trim hedges and mow all grass.

.Fit wire doors, windows and vents. Enclose all gaps, roof eaves and under the house. . Keep a ladder handy for roof access inside and outside.

Environmental Impact

A bushfire is one that affects the environment in both good and bad ways.
On the one hand the fire is beneficial. Some plants use the conditions provided by the blaze to take and while other plants that burn down have adapted to survive, as have the animals that use them as a habitat.
On the other hand, bushfires can have awful consequences for the environment including loss of flora and fauna and changes to the atmosphere such as increased levels of CO2 in the air, the creation of large volumes of smoke and ash and localised change in weather.

These were the environmental impact evident:
The RSPCA estimated that over one million animals died in the bushfires, and many of those who survived suffered from serious burns.

. Many kangaroos ended up with burned feet due to their natural instinct to return to their burned home ranges.

. The area around Marysville, which contains the only known habitat of the Lead.

SA
Above normal fire potential is predicted in the North West Pastoral and Flinders districts due to abundant rain and the growth of grass fuels.
The rest of the state, including the agricultural areas, can expect normal levels of fire activity.
Tasmania
Normal fire activity is expected across Tasmania this season, but small areas in the Derwent Valley and the mid-east coast are currently drier than usual.
Most of the state has experienced average or above average soil moisture, reducing fire activity for the moment.
But it also provides ideal conditions for growth, which may be a trigger for large fires in the New Year if it dries out.
QLD
An above normal fire potential has been predicted for areas between Dalby and Warwick, south to the NSW border and west to Goondiwindi.
Also at a heightened risk is the area to the west between Wallumbilla and Dulacca, south to St George and an area extending from the Sunshine Coast hinterland, into the western areas of the Wide Bay Burnett region.
Victoria
The risk of fire is above average throughout Victoria's heartland and in the east, including east Gippsland.
"Forests are expected to be more flammable than normal due to the lingering effect of last summer's extreme dryness and heat," Bushfire CRC's outlook said.
NSW
With the exception of north-eastern coastal areas and the far west, NSW is expecting above average bushfire conditions this season.
Above average rainfall over the past three years has led to a build up of grass fuel across parts of the state.
CONTENTS
.1 Bushfires: BE Prepared
.2Causes of bushfires
.3 ways to control bushfires
.4Social Impacts
.5 Environmental Impacts
.6Map