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Four Corners: Increasing threat of megafires

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Fire burns in forest at night
Four Corners: Increasing threat of megafires

SUBJECTS:  Science

YEARS:  5–6, 9–10


Many scientists believe we are already experiencing megafires and that they will continue to increase in the future.

In this clip you will hear from Australian scientists at the forefront of fire research. Discover what they have to say about the causes, projections, and consequences of an increased megafire threat.


Things to think about

  1. 1.What do you know about megafires — their causes, effects and control? Can you think of any bushfires over the last decade that you would describe as a megafire? What can we can do, as individuals, communities, or governments, to reduce the threat of megafires?
  2. 2.In relation to megafires, what are the three factors that are converging (coming together), according to megafire specialist Jerry Williams? What types of days are described as the most likely for a fire to break out? Fire threats are rated on a Forest Fire Index according to temperature and three other factors. What are these?
  3. 3.Explain what Australian scientists are saying about the increasing threat of megafires. Summarise the ideas detailing the views and research presented in this clip. Include graphs based on megafire projections, a list of scientists and their organisations, and relevant internet links.
  4. 4.Visit the ABC Emergency website on preparing for a bushfire and discover how you can prepare yourself and your family for a bushfire threat. Create a presentation on bushfires including preventative measures, fire danger index, emergency services, local authorities and contacts, and emergency plans.


Date of broadcast: 12 Mar 2007


Copyright

Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia Ltd 2012 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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