Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Researchers from Imperial College London have issued a warning about the increased threat of “firewaves” in cities across the UK due to rising temperatures caused by climate change. This term refers to multiple urban wildfires that occur during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Recent incidents in London and Edinburgh, such as heath fires and gorse blazes, have highlighted the vulnerability of urban areas to wildfires, a risk that was previously associated with rural areas.
Professor Guillermo Rein, an expert in fire science at Imperial College London, has been collaborating with the London Fire Brigade to predict when conditions are favorable for a “firewave” to occur. Based on their analysis, London could face another risk of wildfires by the upcoming weekend. Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall of the London Fire Brigade expressed support for research that aids in forecasting wildfires, emphasizing the importance of readiness to protect communities and green spaces in the city.
The research conducted by Prof. Rein suggests that after ten consecutive days of dry weather, vegetation becomes highly susceptible to ignition, leading to a higher likelihood of multiple fires breaking out at the same time. Factors such as the “vapour pressure deficit,” which measures how much moisture the atmosphere can extract from the land, significantly influence the flammability of vegetation. As a result of climate change, there is a growing concern for cities across the UK and northern Europe, where green vegetation is becoming increasingly flammable, posing a new and significant challenge.
In response to the escalating risk, the London Fire Brigade has invested in new equipment and technologies, including drones that provide real-time aerial views to aid in mapping fire spread and resource deployment during wildfires. The brigade has also introduced off-road vehicles capable of accessing fires in challenging terrains like heathland and grassland and creating firebreaks to prevent further spread. Researchers are advocating for the adoption of the term “firewave” by the Met Office to signal extreme fire danger in urban areas, aiming to improve public safety strategies and climate resilience planning
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.