Wild Fire: Necessary Government Response

Without proper control and mitigating procedures, wildfires can quickly progress into enormous dimensions. Thus, preventative measures are necessary to limit the ability for these fires to take course. During the prime months (mid summer to early winter) environmental associations must conduct watering operations to moisten the dry and flammable foliage. These can easily be undertaken with the help of a limited supply of aerial vehicles like helicopters and a misting spray with which to disperse water over the wooded area.

In regards to response measures, the most critical goal is limiting the propagation of the fire. If the foliage is dry, the flames will spread with ease. Stemming this necessitates the utilization of anti-flame materials such as fire retardants and water, with both mist and direct spray. Depending on the magnitude (i.e. the speed of development and the overall size) of the fire, national emergency management authorities should be contacted to supplement local and regional efforts.

In addition to addressing the fire, authorities should concurrently seek to ensure civilian safety and protection. Search helicopters should be deployed, armed with rescue materials like ropes and first aid equipment. Additionally, television announcements and radio briefings should be shown on all local channels and all pertinent radio frequencies. Upon discovering through aerial discernment or by civilian notification the locations of trapped individuals, these helicopters must travel to houses and ensure citizens' security.

While these measures are proceeding, land based support should be taken through the local and regional fire departments. Able to directly interact with trapped people and combat the flames more viscerally with the help of hoses, portable pumps and chainsaws to fell trees and create fire blockades, firefighters can also address important factors in wildfire spread. A great benefit in mass fire department usage is the heightened ability to save trapped individuals as many people are unable to aerially board helicopters and/or cannot leave in that manner due to physical problems or extra items being carried.

Sources Consulted

Sources