Over the last decade, the frequencies of bushfires have become more prevalent. According to a research published in Royal Society Open Science, there had been an increase of 40% in bushfire frequency during the summer, which is believed to indicate an alarming shift in the climate.

1. Permacoat
90 Beringarra Ave.
Malaga
WA 6090
08 9249 5955
Bushfires to Become More
Prevalent in 2016

2. Over the last decade, the frequencies of bushfires have become more prevalent.
According to a research published in Royal Society Open Science, there had been an
increase of 40% in bushfire frequency during the summer, which is believed to indicate
an alarming shift in the climate.
In 2007, there was an estimated 3,284 accounts of bushfires per week. With 2013 having
been Australia’s hottest year on record, it had increased to 4,595. Recently, The Climate
Institute released a fact sheet with information on the increase of extreme fire weather as
well as the lengthening of the fire season across Australia. Another research also revealed
that globally, fire seasons have prolonged by 18.7% over 25.3% of the Earth’s vegetative
surface.
With the increase of bushfires, the insured
losses have also risen; the median annual
total of insured losses has increased to $160
million since 1966.
What causes bushfires?
Official data says that in over 113,000
bushfire incidents between 1997 and 2009,
47% of fires with known causes were due to
accidents such as sparks ignited by
powerlines and equipment, campfires and
cigarettes. Forty percent of those were lit on
purpose while lightning cause 13% of
bushfires.
Is climate change to blame?
According to the Climate Council’s Dr Will
Steffen, to say that climate change is
influencing these bushfires, it would take a
minimum of 30 years of data for there to be
an actual study of long-term trends.

3. How would people prepare their
homes for a bushfire?
With the frequency of bushfires, it is
better for homes to be prepared to
protect their families and homes from
serious damage.
Spot fires are small fires caused by
accumulated flammable items from
unsealed parts of the house.
Cleaning leaves and other foreign
debris from gutters and downpipes will
prevent roofs from catching fire.
Securing and sealing the gaps
between floors, decks, vents, and
external parts of the house is
advisable, as crevices are potential
points of ignition from the embers it
collect.
Maintain the growth of plants surrounding trees to avoid spot fires from igniting. Have
sprinkler systems set in place because dry lawns become fire hazards as well. Pathways
around the house should be clear; achieve a reduction in ladder fuel by trimming low
trees and avoiding clusters of plants around the structure. Being mindful of the
vegetation surrounding the structure helps, as some plants are more flammable than
others.
While bushfires are becoming prevalent, there is still uncertainty as to whether climate
change has a huge influence on it. So far, prevention is the only way to avoid serious
damage.

4. Resources:
http://www.permacoat.com.au/roof-maintenance-repairs/
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/australian-bushfires-on-the-rise-new-research-
finds-20160209-gmpjfp.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-11/bushfires-in-south-east-australia-mostly-
caused-by-humans/7013914