Predicting and preparing for bushfires
Bushfires are part of life in Australia, and when they burn out of control near populated areas can cause significant loss of life and property.CSIRO has been conducting bushfire research for over 70-years.
Bushfires can start in a variety of ways, but there are three factors that contribute to the behaviour of a bushfire.
The weather, the vegetation and the terrain.
[Image of a green map of Australia with a flame in the middle of it appears on screen]
Narrator: Bushfires are part of life in Australia,
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and when they burn out of control near populated areas can cause significant loss of life and property.
CSIRO has been conducting bushfire research for over 60-years.
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Bushfires can start in a variety of ways, but there are three factors that contribute to the behaviour of a bushfire.
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The weather, the vegetation and the terrain.
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Fire Danger Ratings for Australia’s two predominant types of vegetation, grasslands and forests,
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are based on wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity and rainfall.
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By analysing observations and forecasts of these variables CSIRO can estimate the likelihood of fire weather and potential severity of bushfire occurrence anywhere in Australia, now and into the future.
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Over recent decades we’ve seen an increase in the frequency and severity of fire weather in Australia. We predict that many regions will see a significant increase in the probability of the highest levels of fire danger in the years ahead.
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CSIRO is developing the science and tools to enable communities to better understand the changing profile of their bushfire risk and help them develop effective, locally relevant plans to protect property and life.
[CSIRO logo appears on screen with text: To learn more about bushfire prevention and response in your area, contact your local fire authority.]