Zombie Wildfires in Canada 2023

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Questions and Answers

What primarily fuels 'zombie' fires, which allows them to smolder underground for extended periods?

  • High humidity levels
  • Organic materials like peat (correct)
  • Near-surface water sources
  • Surface vegetation

In what way do 'zombie' fires differ from forest fires in their combustion characteristics?

  • 'Zombie' fires burn surface vegetation while forest fires burn underground materials.
  • 'Zombie' fires produce visible flames while forest fires do not.
  • 'Zombie' fires can smolder underground for years, while forest fires usually last for weeks or months. (correct)
  • 'Zombie' fires are ignited solely by human activities, unlike forest fires.

What event is mentioned as a potential trigger for the reignition of 'zombie' fires?

  • Snow cover
  • Controlled burns
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Warmer weather (correct)

How did the wildfire situation in Canada in 2023 compare to the previous year?

<p>The total fires increased significantly, burning over 48 million acres. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about peat fires is true?

<p>They can smolder for years and release more carbon. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary reason for the increase in zombie fires in British Columbia and Alberta?

<p>Less snow leading to unextinguished underground fires (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature makes zombie fires difficult for firefighters to detect?

<p>The flameless nature of underground fires (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region is NOT mentioned as being susceptible to zombie fires?

<p>Southern Africa (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has hindered firefighters' efforts to manage zombie fires effectively?

<p>Difficulties in accessing remote forest areas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many zombie fires typically occur annually in British Columbia and Alberta under normal conditions?

<p>Usually 15 or fewer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ecological conditions contribute to the persistence of zombie fires after winter?

<p>Warmer winter temperatures and less precipitation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about zombie fires is true?

<p>They can smolder in deep duff layers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific type of vegetation is associated with areas prone to zombie fires?

<p>Cool coniferous forests rich in needles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Zombie Fire

Wildfires that appear to return from the dead, smoldering beneath the surface and re-igniting when weather gets warmer.

Peat

Organic matter, often found in bogs and wetlands, that burns slowly and releases large amounts of carbon.

Peat Fire

A type of wildfire that burns for months or even years, smoldering underground and releasing large amounts of carbon.

Forest Fire

Wildfires that burn quickly, visible on the surface and typically burn surface vegetation.

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Unusually Severe Wildfire Season

A period of extremely severe wildfires, like the 2023 Canadian wildfires.

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Drought

A period of prolonged dryness, often with reduced rainfall, impacting vegetation.

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Duff layer

The thick layer of decaying leaves, needles, and other organic matter covering forest floors.

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Snowmelt

The process of snow melting and infiltrating the ground, potentially extinguishing underground fires.

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Flameless fires

Fires that burn without visible flames, spreading underground through dense vegetation layers.

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Remote areas

Areas that are difficult for firefighters to access due to remoteness or challenging terrain.

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Coniferous forests

Regions where coniferous trees dominate, often with thick layers of needles and other combustible vegetation.

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Study Notes

Zombie Wildfires in Western Canada

  • Canada experienced the worst wildfire season on record in 2023
  • Over 6,500 blazes scorched more than 48 million acres of forest across Canada
  • This represents a 170% increase compared to 2022
  • Wildfires subsided when the snow arrived
  • "Zombie" fires, which are smoldering under the snow, re-ignited afterward.
  • These fires are difficult to extinguish because the organic material beneath the snow is highly flammable
  • They can burn for weeks or months underground
  • The fires emerge because the ground is struck by lightning or when farmers set controlled fires to burn excess vegetation.
  • The fires get their name because they are known to smolder or reappear years later.
  • Many of the fires had not been fully extinguished, and with warmer weather, the fires have roared back to life, forcing evacuations.

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