Wildfires | JJEcofriends

W I L D F I R E S

Article written by Joanne Gosal

A wildfire is an unrestrained fire that burns in a natural environment near combustible vegetation (i.e. forests, grasslands, prairies, etc). They are very destructive and harm both people and animals, as well as their homes. Wildfires are classified into many different types, including bush fires, forest fires, and desert fires. Oftentimes, wildfires are caused by either humans or lightning and may result in flooding and disruption of transportation, gas, power, and communications. They usually happen suddenly, with little to no prior notice, and thus their damage is often very wide-spread and difficult to ignore.

In 2018, wildfires in the U.S. burned 8.7 million acres, well past the 10-year average burn area of 6.8 million acres per year, and it is clear that the numbers are not going down any time soon. The total cost from the consequential damage was a notable $24 billion due to the destruction of many homes and communities.
In Australia, bushfires have killed an estimated 1 billion animals, and scientists are fearful of the stark drop in biodiversity as many animals are endemic to the region. In fact, a team of scientists have found that at least 20 threatened species are now at the brink of extinction.
In addition, debris from the fires are contaminating water supplies, smoke is resulting in a rapid rise in carbon dioxide emissions and thus, contributing to climate change, and soot from the fires is speeding up the melting of New Zealand’s glaciers.

Consider supporting organizations that are working to counteract wildfires, whether it be through encouraging the establishment of certain laws, planting trees, helping victims of wildfire damage, etc. We have linked some for you down below:

If you’d like to get involved first-hand, consider joining/supporting these organizations:

Common Misconceptions (taken directly from The Wilderness Society’s official website):

Myth: Wildfires are natural and should be allowed to burn freely
- Reality: Driven by climate change, wildfires pose a huge threat and demand careful forest management practices
Myth: Logging forests prevents wildfires
- Reality: Fires may burn more intensely in logged forests
Myth: All wildfires are bad and should be stopped immediately
- Reality: Protecting people is top priority, but fires play an important ecological role
Myth: As wildfires get worse, the Forest Service gets a lot more money to fight them
- Reality: As firefighting expenses rise, Forest Service funding has barely budged
Myth: Wildfire spending will continue to skyrocket no matter what
- Reality: A more strategic approach to fire management can help address the crisis

Referenced sources:

For more information:

W I L D F I R E S

PROBLEM

CURRENTLY

TAKE ACTION

MISCONCEPTIONS

Subscribe For Updates