In recent months, the devastating mountain fires in Australia have made headlines as millions of wildlife have perished and thousands of Australians have been forced to evacuate their homes. These fires have been burning for several months, causing continuous air pollution and capturing widespread attention on social media with the hashtag #australianfire. As a result, a question frequently asked by many is whether these fires are extinguishable or not.
To understand the severity of the situation, it is important to examine how these fires occur and why they are so intense. The unique terrain of Australia plays a significant role in bringing about this disaster. With an expansive area of approximately 769.20 million square kilometers, Australia is the sixth-largest country globally and covers the entire continent. Surrounded by the sea, it experiences a hot climate with barren land and deserts scattered throughout. The flat terrain and lack of mountains contribute to the widespread desertification. Mountains and hills serve to block sunlight and reduce water evaporation, allowing for a more favorable environment. In Australia, during the summer, people seek shade under parasols or the shadows of buildings to avoid direct exposure to the scorching sun.
Similar to individuals, land cannot sustain prolonged exposure to the sun. Over time, the moisture in the land evaporates, leading to the gradual formation of deserts. In addition to the dry and hot climate, the severity of Australian fires is also connected to its vegetation. The dominant vegetation in Australia consists of monolithic species, primarily drought-resistant trees such as eucalyptus and maple. These trees, accounting for 97% of the tree species, are highly flammable. The eucalyptus forests, in particular, accumulate significant amounts of fuel, three times more than oak forests. Thus, when a fire ignites, the eucalyptus forest becomes a vast reservoir of combustible material.
While human technology has advanced significantly in recent decades, particularly in areas like the internet and artificial intelligence, we still face limitations when it comes to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and forest fires. In recent years, forest fires in various parts of the world, including California, the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, and Australia, have led to increased carbon dioxide emissions, reduction in carbon reserves due to deforestation, and further exacerbation of the global greenhouse effect.
When it comes to extinguishing mountain fires, traditional methods like using fire trucks are ineffective. Fire trucks would be rendered useless and reduced to scrap iron in the face of extensive forest fires. Small-scale fires can be addressed by spraying chemical flame retardants from helicopters. However, when the fire rages uncontrollably, helicopters can do little more than fluttering moths in the face of the blaze, while also causing potentially irreversible environmental damage to the soil. Artificial rainfall is considered an upgraded measure, but it is dependent on the presence of adequate clouds, which is often not the case in Australia’s clear skies.
As a last resort, controlled burning or creating firebreaks can be employed to contain and prevent the spread of the fire. However, this approach carries high costs and risks. If the wind does not cooperate and shifts in an unexpected direction, the fire may spread further and become uncontrollable.
From this devastating disaster, we can draw important lessons. The Australian fire highlights the immense power of nature, surpassing the capabilities of cutting-edge technology. It emphasizes the need to establish comprehensive mechanisms that include forecasting systems and monitoring systems. Educating people about the importance of protecting our planet and adopting sustainable practices is crucial for preventing and mitigating the impact of such disasters.