No one can deny that a wildfire is an unplanned, uncontrolled and unpredictable fire in an area of combustible vegetation. Depending on the type of vegetation present, a wildfire may be more specifically identified as a bushfire, desert fire, grass fire, hill fire, peat fire, prairie fire, vegetation fire, or veld fire. Some natural forest ecosystems depend on wildfire. Modern forest management often engages in prescribed burns to mitigate fire risk and promote natural forest cycles. However, controlled burns can turn into wildfires by mistake.
Natural
occurrences that can ignite wildfires without the involvement of humans include
lightning, volcanic eruptions, sparks from rock falls, and spontaneous
combustions.
Practical
steps to prevent Wildfires
1- Dryad
Networks' Silvanet is a pioneering system that leverages solar-powered sensors
to provide a significant advancement in wildfire detection technology. These
sensors, strategically placed throughout forests, continuously monitor a range
of microclimate factors, including temperature, humidity, and atmospheric
pressure.
Using
embedded AI, Silvanet can identify the earliest signs of smoldering fires by
analyzing changes in these environmental parameters. One of the critical
advantages of this system is its rapid detection capability, which can identify
potential wildfires within minutes of their onset. This quick response time is
crucial, allowing for faster mobilization of firefighting resources and potentially
limiting the scale of the blaze.
2- As
wildfire threats escalate, the fire-tech industry is booming with solutions to
detect and fight these disasters. One exciting innovation is the use of drones
equipped with thermal imaging and infrared cameras. These drones offer a
bird's-eye view of active fires, pinpointing hotspots and tracking a fire's
progression in real-time. This critical data guides firefighting efforts,
enhancing response strategies.
Complementing
drones, wildfire cameras provide a crucial ground-level perspective. These
specialized cameras, often placed in high-risk areas, offer continuous
monitoring and early detection capabilities. Their pan, tilt, and zoom
functions enable firefighters to assess fire conditions remotely and make
informed decisions.
Read more: 5 Simple things to do during a hurricane to stay safe
3- Create defensible
space: Remove flammable vegetation (dry leaves, dead branches, overgrown
shrubs) from around your home. Trim trees, maintain distance between them, and
consider fire-resistant landscaping.
4- Monitor weather:
Stay informed about high temperatures, dry conditions, wind speed, and humidity
to assess wildfire risk before daily work.
5- Be
mindful of outdoor burning: Check local regulations for burn bans or
restrictions. If permitted, burn safely with proper tools and supervision.
Always extinguish fires thoroughly.
6- Report
suspicious activity: Report an irresponsible behavior in fire-prone areas to
help prevent human-caused fires.
7- Keep
vehicles off dry grass: Park vehicles away from dry vegetation whenever
possible, especially during high-risk weather. Exhaust systems can ignite
fires.
At last, you have to know that almost nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. These preventable wildfires threaten lives, property and our precious natural resources.