Fire season continues to wreak havoc on the planet as firefighters struggle to contain massive wildfires burning in Australia, Argentina, and South Africa. Videos of these fast-moving fires have gone viral on social media, demonstrating just how quickly these flames are consuming everything in their way. Firefighters across Australia, Argentina and South Africa are dealing with the added challenges of battling these fires in these extremely hot and dry conditions.
Wildfires in Australia
There is currently a massive outbreak of bushfires in southeastern Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria. Firefighters have been responding to dozens of currently active bushfires that have been fuelled by high temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius and dry winds. Many communities have had to evacuate due to the fires destroying homes and communities. Many areas have experienced power outages due to the fire emergencies, causing additional disruption to the community as the firefighters work to try to contain the extensive wildfires.
Argentina: Massive Fires in Patagonia
The Patagonia region of Argentina has seen many acres of forests and grasslands burned due to wildfires, particularly in the province of Chubut. Evacuation orders for tourists and local residents have been issued while crews work under difficult circumstances to stop the fires from spreading. In an effort to assist those fighting these wildfires, authorities have even offered reward money for information about fires believed to have been started intentionally.
South Africa: High Fire Risk and Emergency Response
In South Africa, the level of risk for wildfires has increased, with warnings of an emergency status in the Western and Eastern Cape. Authors say that due to dry weather and high winds, local fire departments have been over-stressed trying to fight the wildfires. Because of this, local authorities are urging local communities to have an emergency plan in place to prepare for sudden increases in the speed of fire spreading.
Climate & Vegetation Factors
According to specialists, three major contributors to the increase in frequency and severity of wildfires are higher temperatures, prolonged dry weather, and extended periods of no rain. All three of these factors are increasingly associated with climate change, as they all create an environment for fires to break out and/or to spread quickly.
Summary
Wildfires across Australia, Argentina and South Africa are currently testing global firefighting efforts. With extreme weather conditions, large burned areas and growing public concern, authorities are urging vigilance, preparedness and heightened support to battle the blazes.
