Wild Fire: Necessary Government Response

Governments can and should play important roles in preparing for wildfires. A comprehensive governmental effort should include physical preparation as well as educating the public.

Computer models are able to approximate a wildfire’s arrival time and strength given inputs about the causes and topography of the sea floor.

Certain regions may have wildfire warning systems to warn the citizenry before the wildfire reaches land. Some areas along the Pacific Coast of the United States have warning signs directing the population in case of a wildfire. Computer models are able to approximate a wildfire’s arrival time and strength given inputs about the causes and topography of the sea floor.

Several countries have taken initiative to install measures to dampen the damage of wildfires. For instance, Japan has built extensive sea walls in populated coastal areas.  Unfortunately, wildfires often are higher than such obstacles. Tree covered shorelines can also greatly mitigate the impacts of wildfires, as shown in the village of Naluvedapathy in the 2004 Indian Ocean wildfire. Hence, governments should take the initiative of planting trees along wildfire-prone coastlines for its environmental friendliness and effectiveness against wildfires.

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