Haze and Fire - Where would you rather be?

Source: catchthefire.com & AsiaOne 

The haze has been a very big inconvenience in a health hazard particularly to do young, old and the sick. However, if faced with the very confronting question where would you rather be, in the haze all in the fire, I'm sure most would agree that being in the haze is much better.

Living in Australia has made me realise the real perils of bushfire. In a bushfire one not only face the threat of smoke inhalation, but also the potential of losing your home, your family and even your life. On Black Saturday 2009, we saw the over 400 fires engulfed multiple towns killing 173 and injuring hundreds more. Whole families were found dead in their cars trying to flee the fire. Their cars no match for the speed the winds were spreading the flames. Out in open country, the fire service is largely voluntary. Water sources may even dry up in mid summer. Fire is indeed frightening.

What causes forest and bush fires?

There are many natural and man-made causes of fires. To start and continue a fire, you basically need 3 things - Ignition Source, Oxygen and Fuel. Oxygen is naturally occurring in the atmosphere. Forest are filled with fuel in the form of plants. Ignition source is what makes a fire natural or man-made.

Natural Causes

Lightning

When lightning strike flammable objects, it is possible to start a fire. Out heavily forested areas, lightning strikes can easily cause trees to burn. In fact in 2012 in the US, over 22000 fires were started by lightning strikes.

Man-made Causes

Deliberate Backburning

Backburning is a process of controlled burning of the forest. Strange as this may sound, but this is a method commonly used in US and Australia to prevent serious fires from reaching homes. This is done by professionals who study weather patterns, topography and the forest to deliberately burn the forest. This done with fire-control lines. Of course, there are risks involved. At times, the wind may decide to take a turn and sweep fires the wrong direction around. Or fires may break a control line.

Arson

Arson is a serious criminal offence. There are "fire bugs" who deliberately cause fires to the forest or to property.

Accidents

Accidents can happen in many shapes and form which lead to fire. Some of which are much more preventable than others. These include:

- Parking a car on dry grass

- Home fires (kitchen, stove, heater) burning out of control.

- Littering of cigarette butts on dry grass.

- Litter causing sun's radiant heat to be concentrated by convex shapes.

Deliberate agricultural forest clearing

One of the cheapest and fastest way to clear a forest for agricultural purposes is to slash and burn. However, this should be done in consultation with local authorities and fire service to ensure the burning is done in a controlled fashion.

How to cope with the current Haze?

People who are most affected by the haze are those with chronic lung disease (e.g. COPD, asthma) or heart disease. The elderly, pregnant and children are more susceptible to the effects of the haze.

If you have an air-conditioner, especially one with a HEPA filter, it is advisable to use it during this period. Else, try to get to somewhere you can use one - like a library or shopping centre.

Minimise prolonged of strenuous psychical exertion. Instead switch to indoor psychical activities. For example instead of cycling outdoors, try cycling in a gym. Maybe try something different, like pilates or yoga in an indoor studio. Alternatively, Wii Fit might be a fun way to exercise.

If you go need to go out for a prolonged period, try using a N95 mask. Masks are advised mainly if you need to be out in the open for a prolonged period when the PSI is over 300. It is also advised for the vulnerable when PSI is over 200 and have to be in the open for prolonged periods. N95 mask should be properly fitted. Children should use a child size mask. Men with facial hair should be properly shaven for the mask to be fully effective. However, prolonged use of a mask can be very uncomfortable.

Try to stay positive about the Haze. Yes, it's not exactly healthy, nor is it convenient. But be thankful you're not in the fire. You can't tell your neighbour how to run his home, so let our neighbour manage their own land. You can offer your neighbour what you think is good, but if he doesn't want it, you can't force him. Very often, to live harmoniously together, you have to love your neighbour by accepting what their choices are.

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References

[1] National Fire Protection Association

[2] Ministry of Health

[3] Food and Drug Administration