E-Learning for WildfiresProfessionals

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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PreventionThis module on wildfire prevention is divided into three parts which cover the following topics:

What is a wildfire? How to recognise the indicators of wildfires Fire Behaviour Fire Environment Types of Wildfire Fire Development Impact of wildfires Actions to prevent , protect and limit the effects of wildfires

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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Wildfire Prevention – Part 1:

Understanding fire behaviour and extreme fire

behaviour

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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Fire BehaviourThis is the first part of the module on wildfire prevention and will cover the following topics:

• What is a wildfire? • Indicators of a wildfire

Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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What is a wildfire?Definition:

A simple definition of a “wildfire” is as follows:

An uncontrolled vegetation fire.

Source: Junta de Andalucia (Spain)

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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In some countries, a vegetation fire needs to meet more specific criteria to be classified as a wildfire. The following example is the definition for a wildfire which is used in the UK:

“…a wildfire is defined as any uncontrolled vegetation fire where a decision or action is needed about its suppression. A wildfire will meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Involves a geographical area of at least one hectare (10,000 square metres)• Has a sustained flame length of more than 1.5 metres• Requires a committed resource of at least four fire and rescue service

appliances/resources• Requires resources to be committed for at least six hours• Presents a serious threat to life, environment, property and infrastructure

What is a wildfire?

Source: UK Fire and Rescue Service, National Operational Guidance for Wildfires

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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The common indicators that a wildfire may be burning may include: Visible flames and smoke column

Reduced visibility due to the smoke obscuring the sun

The sound of burning and the increased movement of air

The smell of burning vegetation

Indicators of a wildfire

Source: Frederiksborg Fire and Rescue Service (Denmark)

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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• Wildfires can be big and small – but all wildfires have the potential to cause significant damage and destruction.• Wildfires should not be underestimated. They have the potential to damage and destroy: • Life• Property (homes, businesses, industry)• Environment• Energy supplies• Economies• Infrastructure• Heritage and culture

What is a wildfire?

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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• Wildfires occur every year around the World – from the USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa, to Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the UK.

• The following videos provide information about large wildfires. The videos are of varying lengths, from a few minutes to over an hour. They provide a glimpse into the scale and devastation of wildfires in different countries.

What is a wildfire?

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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We hope you enjoyed this part of the module!

Please visit the next part which covers the topics of fire behaviour, fire environment and extreme fire behaviour

End of Wildfire Prevention: Part 1

Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)

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