How difficult is it to extinguish a wildfire?

Preparing for unexpected wildfires.

Well it’s pretty difficult, especially when you have multiple fires raging in different areas all the same time. As in the case in California, were there are now approx. 14 fires down from 21 last week leaving 41 dead, vast of acreage scorched and thousands homeless (Neuman & Kennedy, 2017). There are several factors to consider in wildland firefighting, such as wind direction and types of vegetation being burned that fuels the fire that determine the plan of attack to stop the wildfire. Ever tire from digging a hole in the yard on a hot summer day? Well, that is a mere glimpse of the heat and exertion that wildland firefighters endure on duty, not to mention the safety hazards. Why can’t they just smother the fire or dump water on it, you may ask. The firefighters must create a fire line, basically a line separating the fire from any fuel source, ie. vegetation, homes, industrial materials, etc. To do this they must dig using tools such as a shovel or bulldozer to establish a safe barrier between the fire and any unburned fuel source (Firewise, 2017).

The width of this barrier depends on the topography of the land and other factors and may need to be reestablished if the fire “jumps” the line due to wind direction. An aerial approach is used but not as you may think. Fire retardants can be released from a plane but are used to establish these fire lines, not extinguish the flames. Imagine your yard is completely on fire and taking a pot of water to throw onto the flames, wouldn’t help much huh. Same principle here, water is reserved during the overhaul or “mopping up” process, where every piece of burned material is turned over to ensure there is no heat source to reignite the fire, as fire needs a fuel source, heat and oxygen to live. While many of us may never know what it’s like to risk our lives to save the livelihood of another, we can certainly give those who run towards disaster our sincerest gratitude expressed in love, for no material thing can pass as compensation for that sacrifice. If you would like to read more about the California Wildfires locations and ways you can donate to victims visit this link from PBS Atlanta by clicking here.

Works Cited

Firewise, I. (2017). Fire Ecology and Management. Retrieved from http://idahofirewise.org/fire-ecology-and-management/fire-management-strategies-and-tactics/

Neuman, S., & Kennedy, M. (2017, October 16). Firefighters Gain Ground on California Wildfires. Retrieved from NPR: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/16/557986665/firefighters-gain-ground-on-california-wildfires