At the training Vice President Al Gore also discussed the increase in climatic disasters especially zombie fires.

The Rise of Zombie Fires: A Concerning Consequence of Climate Change

In recent years, a new and concerning phenomenon has emerged in the realm of wildfires – the rise of “zombie fires.” These fires, also known as “overwinter” or “holdover” fires, are unlike the typical wildfires we’re accustomed to, and they pose unique challenges in the face of a changing climate.

What are Zombie Fires?

Zombie fires are wildfires that continue to burn underground throughout the winter months, even when the surface appears extinguished. They get their name because they can “rise from the dead” in the spring and reignite above ground, often catching firefighters and land managers off guard.

The key differences between zombie fires and regular wildfires are:

1. Ignition and Duration: Regular wildfires are typically sparked by lightning or human activity and burn above ground, consuming vegetation and fuels on the surface. Zombie fires, on the other hand, can smolder underground in the soil, roots, and organic matter for months, sometimes even through the winter, before reemerging in the spring.

2. Emissions and Ecological Impact: Zombie fires that burn underground in the soil and roots tend to release less carbon and have a lower ecological impact compared to regular wildfires that reach the forest canopy. However, the underground nature of zombie fires makes them harder to detect and extinguish.

3. Causes and Location: Climate change is a major driver behind the increase in zombie fires, as warming temperatures and drier conditions in the Arctic and boreal regions make the soil and vegetation more susceptible to these types of long-burning, underground fires. Zombie fires are becoming more common in these northern regions.

4. Firefighting Challenges: Zombie fires pose unique challenges for firefighters, as the flames are hidden underground and can be difficult to locate and extinguish. Conventional firefighting methods like dropping water from the air are often ineffective. New techniques like using fire-retardant surfactants are being explored to better combat these persistent, smoldering fires.

The Increasing Threat of Zombie Fires

The rise of zombie fires is a concerning consequence of climate change, as these fires can persist for months and reignite unexpectedly, posing a significant threat to communities, ecosystems, and the global climate. As the Arctic and boreal regions continue to warm and dry, the risk of zombie fires is expected to increase, making it crucial for researchers, firefighters, and land managers to develop new strategies to address this emerging challenge.

Positive News and Innovations

While the increase in climatic disasters, including the rise of zombie fires, can be a source of despair, there are also positive developments and innovations emerging to address these challenges. Researchers and experts are working on new techniques and technologies to better detect, monitor, and extinguish zombie fires, as well as to improve overall wildfire management and mitigation strategies in a changing climate.

As we continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is essential that we remain vigilant, adaptive, and proactive in our approach to addressing these complex issues. By staying informed, supporting research and innovation, and working together as a global community, we can strive to build a more resilient and sustainable future in the face of these emerging threats.

Study Notes!