Introduction
Geographical processes
Maps of seriously affected
Impacts of the hazard
Responses of society

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Bushfires release a lot of smoke (containing carbon dioxide) which affect air quality (pollution). The most obvious observation would be the loss of vegetation (flora). However, some species need fire to release their seeds. Some plants even sprout new growth after a fire. These species of plants have features which enable them to survive a bushfire and help its recovery.

Only a few centimetres of soil is affected by the bushfire. However, low intensity fires may cause sterilisation (death) of the soil. Higher intensity fires alter soil chemical structure. This means that the amount of nutrients in the soil change. Combine these changes with ash, and you have an 'ash-bed effect', which is quite fertile. With increased nutrients, more plants may be able to grow and recover. Unfortunately, it is really soluble, so rain may eventually wash the ash-bed away. The water would eventually end up in a stream and thus affect water quality.


Many species in animals decline after a fire. Some are seriously burnt, and some die from suffocation. Some animals die from predation or lack of food after a bushfire. A number of these animals do survive, and they have their techniques to keep surviving.

Depending on the location, bushfires affect the economy. In urban areas, houses burn down and owners need to claim insurance. A large fire affecting a large area would be overwhelmed by the claims for insurance. The damage could be worth more than a million dollars. It would take years for it to recover. On a farm, plants and livestock are seriously affected. These animals or plants are usually sold to local and overseas markets for a profit. And finally, bushfires cause serious burns, injuries or deaths to people. Health insurance must be taken out for the costs of medical help.

Of course, bushfires seriously affect the health of people. Even for those who don't have any injuries, they may have psychological stress. Toxic fumes are a result of bushfires, so breathing in polluted air will affect your lungs. During the Victorian Bushfires, many people lost their lives and their properties. This has caused a huge emotional strain on them - trauma and grief. Some may experience depression. Some appear to be very stressed. Everyone is different - they react in different ways.

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Labels: Impacts of the hazard

Bushfires release a lot of smoke (containing carbon dioxide) which affect air quality (pollution). The most obvious observation would be the loss of vegetation (flora). However, some species need fire to release their seeds. Some plants even sprout new growth after a fire. These species of plants have features which enable them to survive a bushfire and help its recovery.

Only a few centimetres of soil is affected by the bushfire. However, low intensity fires may cause sterilisation (death) of the soil. Higher intensity fires alter soil chemical structure. This means that the amount of nutrients in the soil change. Combine these changes with ash, and you have an 'ash-bed effect', which is quite fertile. With increased nutrients, more plants may be able to grow and recover. Unfortunately, it is really soluble, so rain may eventually wash the ash-bed away. The water would eventually end up in a stream and thus affect water quality.


Many species in animals decline after a fire. Some are seriously burnt, and some die from suffocation. Some animals die from predation or lack of food after a bushfire. A number of these animals do survive, and they have their techniques to keep surviving.

Depending on the location, bushfires affect the economy. In urban areas, houses burn down and owners need to claim insurance. A large fire affecting a large area would be overwhelmed by the claims for insurance. The damage could be worth more than a million dollars. It would take years for it to recover. On a farm, plants and livestock are seriously affected. These animals or plants are usually sold to local and overseas markets for a profit. And finally, bushfires cause serious burns, injuries or deaths to people. Health insurance must be taken out for the costs of medical help.

Of course, bushfires seriously affect the health of people. Even for those who don't have any injuries, they may have psychological stress. Toxic fumes are a result of bushfires, so breathing in polluted air will affect your lungs. During the Victorian Bushfires, many people lost their lives and their properties. This has caused a huge emotional strain on them - trauma and grief. Some may experience depression. Some appear to be very stressed. Everyone is different - they react in different ways.

←Back                                                                                               Next→

Labels: Impacts of the hazard