Ed3508 P Pt1
- 1. Forest Fires: TheForest Fires: The Collateral DamageCollateral Damage A Crowsnest Pass Case StudyA Crowsnest Pass Case Study
- 2. OverviewOverview We will answer theWe will answer the following…following… How?How? Crowsnest causesCrowsnest causes Who do forest fires affect?Who do forest fires affect? Elaine Hruby’s storyElaine Hruby’s story (Crowsnest Pass fire)(Crowsnest Pass fire) What local damage wasWhat local damage was done?done? What are the ecologicalWhat are the ecological results?results?
- 3. The FireThe Fire When?When? Aug. 2l, 2003, random fire blazesAug. 2l, 2003, random fire blazes out of controlout of control How did this happen?How did this happen? seasonal wildfire, abruptlyseasonal wildfire, abruptly changed directionchanged direction transformed into large firetransformed into large fire The Result:The Result: 6-km wall of flame, 50 m6-km wall of flame, 50 m verticallyvertically fire suddenly whipped over slopesfire suddenly whipped over slopes Expelled energy equivalent to anExpelled energy equivalent to an atomic explosion every 30 minutesatomic explosion every 30 minutes
- 4. Elaine’s Story: 10am-EvacuationElaine’s Story: 10am-Evacuation How does Elaine react? In summary: Put her cat and dog in the car Took few sentimental items Drove to valley above Crowsnest Pass Watched the flames veer down on Hillcrest. How did she feel? She could not stop looking; felt masochistic flames were like a magnet How would YOU react/feel?
- 5. Crowsnest Pass: AftermathCrowsnest Pass: Aftermath The fire burned over 20,000 hectares of forest. However: local businesses remained steady Spray Lake Sawmills used burnt lumber--28% quota of annual allowable salvage rights lumber did not go to waste; conditions: amount of root scorch; no burnt barkamount of root scorch; no burnt bark cost to pursue the salvagecost to pursue the salvage de-barking trees reduces carbonde-barking trees reduces carbon contentcontent
- 6. Environment: AftermathEnvironment: Aftermath Cons: Loss of habitat for wildlife Burned and unsightly Pros: Over time burned area creates diversity; renewal of life development of rich undergrowth Large trees smother light inhibit undergrowth A burned area births ecological diversity.
- 7. What do we know?What do we know? Forest fires are indeed devastating…Forest fires are indeed devastating… Elaine Hruby—traumatic experience in 2003Elaine Hruby—traumatic experience in 2003 Crowsnest temporarily adversely affectedCrowsnest temporarily adversely affected HoweverHowever:: Natures sacrifice to bring ecological renewalNatures sacrifice to bring ecological renewal Pros and cons to this disasterPros and cons to this disaster
- 8. In conclusion, we must not undermine theIn conclusion, we must not undermine the devastation, yet we must also rememberdevastation, yet we must also remember the environmental necessity!the environmental necessity!