How do bushfires start? Usually it's caused by lightning, but cigarettes, arson and fires left unattended can also be blamed. Unfortunately, some fires, like the [kwlink 167]clear creek fire[/kwlink 167], are uncontrollable by the time they are noticed. Weather plays a big part in putting out a fire. Wind blows flames around and keeps firefighters from get close enough to douse the flames.
What do you do during a bushfire? Keep all your doors and windows closed. Make sure you have lots of bath water, hoses and buckets handy. Also make sure Fido and Fluffy are indoors along with your doormats. Stay put inside the house (unless the police tell you otherwise) until the fire has passed and then carefully check your property for damage.[/kwlink]
What about your house? There are several things you can do to protect your house, but good housekeeping helps the most. Keep your property clean and keep the woodpile and any flammable containers away from the house. Another step is to keep flammable shrubs, especially weeds away from the house. Also make a habit of removing leaves from gutters, eaves and decks.
What about that friendly squirrel? Wildlife usually survive bushfires. Those that don't are usually those that rely on nests or tree limbs for shelter from the fire. However, if local wildlife populations decrease because of a fire, it won't be forever. New wildlife will move into the neighborhood over time.
The different meanings:
Bushfire Hazard - A result of the combined effects of fuel (like vegetation, weather conditions) slope and terrain. A high hazard is not necessarily a problem. A high hazard can occur on a small uninhabited island.
Bushfire Risk - If a bushfire hazard comes into contact with a risk of ignition you've got a bushfire risk. Example: When a small island has high hazards like lots of weeds, shrubs and high winds and the only person living on the island plays with matches.
Bushfire Threat - Occurs when a bushfire risk combines with something of value like a small island with lots of weeds and high winds, a person who plays with matches and a nesting ground for birds or chipmunks.
Did you know that firefighting is one of the most dangerous professions in the world? Every day these men and women battle one of the most violent killers and destructive forces known to civilization.
