Climate change will cause temperatures to rise, and dry spells as well as low humidity levels are likely to increase. This can result in serious fires caused by global warming. These fires are likely to become more frequent in Spain. They will also be dangerous, and can cause serious damage for the ecosystems and populations that they affect. Cristina Santin Nuno is a Ramon y Cajal Researcher at the Mixed Institute for Biodiversity Research, CSIC-University of Oviedo and Principality of Asturias. She recently released her report about the effects of forestfires. It is important for the society to be able to mitigate and act on such fires.
The year 2023 has been marked by massive forest fires all over the globe. Greece, Italy, and Algeria experienced an exceptionally hot July. Canada had its worst fire season ever. Spain’s summer has been a bit cooler, but it was still hot in the spring, when wildfires raged in Teruel and Castellon in March and then in Las Hurdes in Sierra de Gata, in May. According to figures from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, there were 15 major fires in Spain by June 30, triple the number of the last decade.
The summer has been the season for 64% of all large fires. There is, however, a trend of deseasonalization in large fires. The fire season worldwide has increased by 27% since the 1980s. The Mediterranean basin has seen a significant rise in fires days (55%), the western forests in North America (70%) and Amazonian Rainforest (94%).
In Spain, approximately 100,000-120,000 ha are burnt every year. This figure varies greatly from one year to the next. The year 2022, with more than 310.000 hectares of forest burned, was one that had a severe impact. Zamora, which was hardest-hit by the fires that reached Sierra de la Culebra, came in second. Spain accounted for 39% of all the fires that affected the European Union.
Forest fires are the main cause of disturbance in most ecosystems. This is especially true in the Mediterranean. Your publication, while highlighting the increased vulnerability of the Mediterranean basin due to climate change, also highlights the greatest impact of llamas on the Northwest part. This area saw an increase in llamas by 45%.
Asturias is experiencing one of its hottest days with 27degC. Depopulation in some rural areas has led to vegetation growing on previously used land for farming or pasture. It is called ecological succession. Scrubland turns into a valuable Atlantic forest. The specialist explains that we are experiencing far too many arson fires, and they’re not accidents. The specialist explains that there are no legal measures in place, such as prescribed burns. Small groups of rural residents will then ‘clean up’ the area by illegally using matches.
Cristina Santin stresses that fire, despite its negative effects, is an essential and natural part of most ecosystems. It is not sustainable or possible to suppress only fires, she says. Fires, like floods and earthquakes, are part of the natural world. Sometimes they even serve an important purpose. “Fires are like earthquakes or floods in that they’re part of life on this planet and sometimes they serve a bigger purpose.”
To reduce the flammability of landscapes, a number of tools can be used. Three factors are responsible for the spread of fires: heat sources, like a spark or fuel, oxygen and fuel. It is easiest to manage the third factor, which is vegetation that burns. There are a number of proposed measures, such as prescribed burning, controlled grazing and favoring herbivores.
We cannot avoid fires, so we need to try and have as many good as bad fires. Prescribed burning is a good choice, since it allows you to choose the time and reason for burning. Prescribed burning can be beneficial for regenerating ecosystems and pastures. Every action should take into consideration the socioeconomic condition of the area.
In recent years, forest fires have increased in Spain due to a combination of global climate change and land-use changes in rural areas. These fires can have a negative impact on wildlife, the soil, the environment, or even the climate. Megafires can have a negative impact on both the socio-economic and environmental aspects of fire, as well as compromising human security.
Recent news of more than thirty deaths in Algeria caused by forest fires made waves. Santin says that many of the deaths were caused by soldiers who tried to save other people but did not have enough technical knowledge or education. Santin believes that unlike Spain where the experts are well-trained, more instruction and education should be given to people on how to react if there is a fire near residential areas. Santin also points out that some people flee their homes in cars, only to be engulfed by fires.
Civil Protection recommends staying indoors and closing all windows and doors, covering any holes with soaked cloths and tissues, and disabling all utilities, unless an official evacuation order is issued. It is important to follow the instructions of the authorities, and to obey any regulations, like not lighting fires at certain times to avoid unintentional blazes in natural areas.
The forest fires emit millions of tons of methane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides each year – an annual average of 8 million tonnes. It is the equivalent of 20-25% emissions from fossil fuels. In most cases, burned vegetation will absorb the CO2 released once it grows back. On a medium-term basis, this can lead to a balance as long as the plant fully regenerates. In today’s world, fires can be too large and intense for regeneration. Santin says that the issue is if vegetation can’t recover properly, carbon will not be captured.
Smoke can cause visible and invisible damage. It also leaves behind toxic residues, which are harmful to health and may lead to secondary damages such as staining and corrosion. Smoke and fire damage can cause extensive property damage. To minimize and emergency fire damage cleanup the damage to your property and restore it effectively, you need professional and swift restoration services. A restoration company with experience is necessary to ensure a complete recovery For more information go here https://ncrestoration.ca/.
