Just
last Tuesday a wildfire broke out at Table Rock in Burke County, North
Carolina. The second I saw “wildfire in North Carolina” I knew I wanted to
write my blog in it. Just recently in class, we discussed wildfires and I think
they interest me because it is not a disaster that I would think of right away.
I also didn’t know anything about them. Wildfires are known to occur in
mountain regions with very hot temperatures, but usually in the spring and
summer months. Strong wind and dry conditions also influence wildfires to
occur. The spatial pattern of wildfires is seen most likely in the west, but we
also know that wildfires can occur anywhere.
In
this case in the southeast, we just experienced a cold front that brought
unstable temperatures and strong winds. I didn’t see any information on the
vegetation or chemical makeup of the Table Rock Mountains, but those could have
been another factor in the cause of the wildfire. As of right now, the cause of
the wildfire is unknown. Investigators are asking people who were at Table Rock
on Veterans Day if they noticed anything. They are also giving a reward to
whoever reports the cause. We have learned in class that humans are the
majority influence of starting a wildfire.
This
is a time-lapse video of the wildfire over the past week and it is TOTALLY
worth clicking on and watching.
Unfortunately
this fire wasn’t small. Firefighters were ordered to step off the lines due to
the severity of the fire and the strong winds that could worsen it. The fire
has burned over 2,220 acres and only 40% is contained. Fire on the south side
of the mountain is not contained and we have learned about slopes in class. Since
the start of the fire it has rained, which slowed things down, but it also
creates moist soil that can be dangerous. There has also been a lot of fog in
the air, which makes it difficult for fire crews to see clearly. Future dry
conditions are predicted for the area, but hopefully this fire won’t spread
anymore.
Comment to Christina Cole:
I can see that you took the time in researching the earthquake
and tsunami at Fukushima. I like how you then cited a quote from a comment
someone made on the article and also talked about how she compared it to BP oil
spill. She had a very good comment, but I think the best part of this blog is
how you asked your readers multiple questions. This really engages your readers
so they don’t feel like they are just reading. You pose a question on what we
can do to help, what we are doing wrong, and if we think this is wrong. These
are awesome questions to ask your readers and it definitely made me think.
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