More than 90 people have already died in the fire that broke out on the 8th in Hawaii, in the United States. Understand what forest fires are and the causes and consequences
More than 90 people have already died in the forest fire that broke out on August 8 on the island of Maui, in the state of Hawaii, in the United States. The tragedy is already considered the largest fire in the country in a hundred years.
In addition to the number of dead and injured, the fire had several consequences. Among them is the destruction of the resort town of Lahaina, which had about 13,000 residents. According to local officials, it will take many years and many dollars to rebuild the city.
Data released today, Aug. 14, indicates that the Hawaiian Justice Department has received actions accusing Hawaiian Electric, which distributes electricity to 90 percent of the state, of being responsible for the fire.
Fire in Hawaii
The Hawaii Fire began on the morning of August 8 in Upper Makawao, burning approximately 270 acres. By 11, the fire had spread to the city of Lahaina. There were wind gusts of up to 96 km/h.
Hours later, the fire spread to Kula, prompting evacuations from nearby residential areas. In the afternoon of the same day, there was a fourth fire, on Pulehu Road in the central valley.
According to Hawaii officials, in brief: The fires have affected the island of Maui and regions such as Kula, North Kohala and South Kohala. But the worst-hit town was Lahaina in western Maui, which was destroyed.
What are forest fires?
According to the Civil Defense of the State of Rio de Janeiro, forest fires are the spread of fire in forest areas and savannahs (savanas and caatingas). These fires normally occur with frequency and intensity during periods of drought (drought) and are related to the reduction of ambient humidity.
According to the Civil Protection, fires can develop spontaneously or be the result of human actions and/or omissions, but even in the latter case, climatological and environmental factors are decisive for increasing them, facilitating their spread and making them difficult to control.
The Civil Protection reiterates that forest fires cause material, environmental and human damage.
Causes of forest fires
According to RJ’s Defense, the causes of forest fires can be natural, from lightning strikes, exothermic fermentative reactions, and concentration of sunlight from pieces of quartz or lens-shaped glass shards.
But most of the forest fires occur, for example, due to the imprudence and carelessness of hunters, bushmen or fishermen, through the propagation of small bonfires, made in the camps.
Other reasons may be sparks from locomotives or other self-propelled machinery, consumers of coal or firewood; loss of control of fires, made to “clean” compounds and arsonists and/or arsonists.
Consequences of forest fires
Again according to the Civil Protection of Rio de Janeiro, forest fires can have various consequences, such as:
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Destruction of trees in growth stage or in commercial use, reducing the production of wood, pulp, forest essences and other inputs;
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Reduction of soil fertility, as a consequence of the destruction of recyclable organic matter, forcing a greater consumption of fertilizers;
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Reduced resistance of trees to attack by parasites, forcing a greater consumption of pesticides
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Reduction of biodiversity;
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Drastic alterations of biotopes, reducing the chances of a balanced development of wildlife;
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Facilitation of erosion processes;
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Reduction of protection of water sources and springs.
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Human loss and injury caused by fire or injury;
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Homeless and homeless.
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Personal archive
By Silvia Tancredi
Journalist
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
