Ok, so I was going to write an article over cloud formation and dynamics but Grey pointed out the Black Saturday brushfires in Australia and I figured that it was an interesting topic to write about and you will see why in this post. I will get back to my normal posts after I write this. Also, I will be posting articles that will go more in depth over some of the environmental/meteorological/climatological/etc topics that are embedded within, so wait for those posts if you want a detailed and simple (I know, it’s a paradox) explanation.

The Black Saturday brushfires of Australia was a devastating event that started on February 7th, 2009 and lasted until March 14th, 2009. Brushfires in Victoria, Australia are not uncommon, in fact there have been many brushfires ‘outbreaks’ in Victoria but non as devastating as this one. Victoria has the perfect climate for the dangerous brushfires

It is believed that the fires were started from different sources but mainly lighting and arson. Because of the climate of Victoria and the weather patterns, both prior and during the event, were the main cause for the outbreak. That year there was an extensive period where the rainfall amounts were dangerously below average. This was the long term cause for the brushfires. With respect to short term causes, the days leading up to the event as well as the days that followed displayed unusual and special meteorological conditions: high temperature, low humidity, and strong winds made for a deadly combination that fueled the fires.

In addition to the meteorological factors, there were numerous other factors, such as vegetation. Of course the vegetation factor can be linked to issues concerning the weather. As a result of little rainfall, the vegetation dried up and thus was able to serve as firewood.

During the actual event, the winds were one of the greatest problems to people. A method that is commonly used when fighting wildfires is back-burning. This is where you burn the vegetation that is in the path of the fire in order to contain it and prevent it from spreading onward. But the winds prevented this from being an effective method to end the destruction because it would change the path of the fire. In addition to changing the path, the winds would carry embers to other areas. Obviously this can cause more brushfires to occur and increase the destruction and the power of the system.

Now, one might ask the question of whether this is a result of global climate change or not. Some sources say that a link can be made while others argue against that claim. There is much more that needs to be uncovered within this event as well as global climate change. But it is known that water problems was a major cause for the drought in Australia and things are forecasted to become worse. With the water problems and drought-like conditions increasing in severity the brushfires in Australia will only become worse.

There is so much left to understand about this tragic event. Hopefully, as we discover more about the fires we will be able to prevent such horrors as this from happening. As for now, do your best to prevent wildfires from starting. It is really quite sad when nature is destroyed by such a preventable occurrence, and even sadder when communities, families, and lives are torn apart and burned by it.