What are the main causes of bushfires?
The reasons why the bush can be set alight are several. One can
start a fire deliberately or it just happens accidentally, like leaving a
fire unattended, for example, a barbeque or open fire in the bush on a dry
and windy day. Glass or broken bottles are dangerous on a hot day: they can
transfer sunlight and may start a fire.
Travellers in a car can also be a danger by throwing out things like matches
or cigarettes that are still alight. In some cases, even the car is source
of fire when sparks are discharged or there is smouldering rubber from
excessive tyre friction on the road.
One power line with two lines touching can electrically cause a fire.
Unattended chemicals or flammable materials are dangerous too; lightning
sometimes sets fire to grass or dried leaves. Some materials can
self-combust on hot days when too much is accumulated.
Australia's worst bushfire.
There have been many bushfires in Australia. They occur every year with
devastating effects on people, property and fauna. One of the worst
happened 16 years ago in Victoria and South Australia, on Wednesday, 16
February, 1983. From that it takes the name "Ash Wednesday".
The day was very hot, over forty degrees, with hot easterly winds. It was
very uncomfortable for everybody. That day 350,000 thousand hectares of
bush land and property were burnt.The fires were travelling at an enormous
speed, fuelled by the wind and the force of fire itself which is called
'storm fire'. 3,250 buildings were lost or destroyed in the fires, leaving
people without homes for several months. The fires left a trail of
destruction and death. 76 people were killed, thousands of animals were
burnt. The fires were so intense that some roads melted, leaving no chance
of putting the fires out.
The fires burnt from February 16 to February 18, 1983, before they finished
rampaging through Victoria and South Australia. Some fires were burning in New South
Wales too.
Lino Martinig
What are the main causes of bushfires?
The main causes of bushfires are lightning, leaving matches in the bush,
broken glass, power lines and leaves.
Australia's worst bushfire.
Australia's worst bushfire was Ash Wednesday in 1983.The fires burned in
South Australia and Victoria.
The weather at the time was hot and dry and there were very strong winds.
There were many losses. The fires killed 76 people and thousands of
animals. 3,250 buildings were destroyed and 350,000 hectares of land
were burnt. The fire was so hot some roads burnt.
Michael Tan
Have you ever put out a fire?
I haven't learnt how to put out bushfires. I think you have to be
very quick at it. I think it would be very interesting to do this
kind of volunteer work. Firefighters can help other people in the state.
I think it would take a long time to be come a firefighter. I think you
have to go to classes. People who have asthma should not fight bushfires.
People who have asthma can work in other areas like in an office.
Anne Brabet
Would you join the CFA if you lived in the bush?
No, I would not join the CFA, but I would like to train in their methods of
firefighting. So when a bush fire is spotted you can use the training to
fight a fire on your land with a good water supply and hoses and save your
house.
John D.
Should you join the CFA if you live in the bush?
Yes, I think you should join the CFA. It would be helpful in a bushfire.
The CFA can teach you how to put out a bushfire and save yourself and other
people.
Kevin Dangerfield
What can you do when a bushfire comes?
Staying in your home
- Block up doorways and windows, so there are no draughts.
- Grab a hose and spray down the sides of your house.
- Block the downpipes with rags or tennis balls and fill
the gutters with water.
- Connect a sprinkler to a garden hose and put it on the roof.
- Turn off the power and the gas.
- Fill up the bath and sinks with water.
John G. and Dave
Now test yourself on the BUSHFIRE QUIZ
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