Alberta Wildfire 2016 - Wildfires

Question 1

Where was the wildfire?

Answer 1

The wildfire was in Canada’s Alberta province. On May 1st 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray

Question 2

What caused the wildfire?

Answer 2

• Initial cause is still unknown but began in a remote forest area southwest of Alberta
• Shift in wind causes fire to progress to the outskirts of Fort McMurray
• Spotting which was carried by wind caused the fire to become erratic and out of control
• Lack of winter and spring snow caused the vegetation to be dry which meant fire was able to spread

Question 3

What were the environmental impacts of this wildfire?

Answer 3

• Scorched trees and tree roots
• Dry and scorched peaty soils
• Fire released several millions of tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere
• Still smouldering 12 months later in some parts

Question 4

What were the economic impacts of this wildfire?

Answer 4

• For McMurray wildfire cost $9.9 billion and this was the costliest natural disaster in Canada’s history
• Production in some industries near wildfire had to be stopped because workers needed to be evacuated
• 600 work camp units destroyed by fire
• Transport was affected including airport

Question 5

What were the social impacts of this wildfire?

Answer 5

• Evacuation of 90,000 people fr Fort McMurray
• Destroyed 3,000 homes and businesses
• Burnt land the size of Norfolk
• Power was disrupted
• Water supplies contaminated
• 2 people died indirectly during car crash while evacuating the wildfire

Question 6

What were the political impacts of this wildfire?

Answer 6

• Alberta government hoped that new research would help them understand the wildfire affected the physical and emotional health of people
  :/Government pledged $3 million to the research program
• Caused a debate about the impacts of climate change and future vulnerability to wildfires
• Government has to work with emergency services for evacuation procedures

Question 7

What were the short term responses of this wildfire?

Answer 7

• State of emergency was declared

- Help came from armed forces including helicopters, water bombs and firefighters from different states and countries

Question 8

What were the long term responses of this wildfire?

Answer 8

• Residents were allowed to return to their home in June 2016 (1 months after wildfire)
• There was a benefit concert to raise money for victims
• Online register for accommodation
• Landlords gave discount on houses to victims