America has much to learn from Indigenous strategies of fire control
2 months, 1 week ago

America has much to learn from Indigenous strategies of fire control

Live Mint  

The devastation from California’s wildfires is unique in its horror—but it has precedents elsewhere. In each case, a landscape transformed through thousands of years of Indigenous fire agriculture has proven deadly to a modern society more averse to burning vegetation. Harness Indigenous know-how: Australia’s history of bushfire disasters helped it learn the lessons of Indigenous fire control early. A wildfire can easily hit temperatures sufficient to melt aluminium and move faster than a person can run, but a well-managed prescribed fire is slower and cooler, causing less damage and releasing less carbon into the air than intense blazes that inevitably break out under a fire-suppression regime. In Australia, volunteer fire services are key local institutions outside big cities, with nearly 190,000 people giving their time to such agencies—roughly 5% of the rural population.

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History of this topic

U.S. and Australia have long fought fires together. Climate change threatens joint efforts
2 months, 1 week ago

U.S. and Australia have long fought fires together. Climate change threatens joint efforts

LA Times  

As flames engulfed swaths of Los Angeles County this month and U.S. fire authorities scrambled to coordinate help from overseas, one longtime firefighting partner was left off their list: Australia. “Requests for international assistance are typically sent first to the countries experiencing the least wildfire activity as they are more likely to be able to send firefighters and equipment,” said …

A burning desire to understand fire
4 months, 1 week ago

A burning desire to understand fire

ABC  

Is it time to rethink our relationship with fire? Bushfires are part of Australian life but the scars run deep in those communities affected - loved ones killed, homes destroyed. He's passionate about how Indigenous knowledge combined with new tools and technology are playing a vital role in fire management. A group of women in Perth are learning to ride …

Extinction or adaptation? The plague of wildfires in Chile is a warning for our future
1 year ago

Extinction or adaptation? The plague of wildfires in Chile is a warning for our future

Salon  

Amidst rapidly intensifying global climate disasters, Chile has become the latest casualty. Waterfall at Torres del Paine National Park in Chile Such “extractivist” approaches haven’t served Chile well over time, however — so says Carlos Leiva, director of the non-governmental organization Andean Alerce. Just how much specific blame can be pinned on the Boric administration for Chile’s dire environmental straits …

'Australia is sleepwalking': A bushfire scientist explains what the Hawaii tragedy means for our flammable continent
1 year, 7 months ago

'Australia is sleepwalking': A bushfire scientist explains what the Hawaii tragedy means for our flammable continent

ABC  

As I hear reports of the fire tearing through the Hawaiian island of Maui, I feel utterly depressed. Northern Hemisphere inundated with climate disasters Photo shows Men in white shirts fight an orange blaze of fire As the global temperature hits a record high, the Northern Hemisphere is feeling the full impact of how climate change is hitting us hard …

Canadian wildfires hit Indigenous communities hard, threatening their land and culture
1 year, 8 months ago

Canadian wildfires hit Indigenous communities hard, threatening their land and culture

LA Times  

Carrol Johnston passes a spot where her home stood before a May wildfire destroyed it in the East Prairie Metis Settlement in Alberta, Canada. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Raymond Supernault, chairman of the East Prairie Metis Settlement, where he said more than 85% of the 129-square-mile settlement burned in the first wildfire there in more than 60 …

Canadian wildfires hit Indigenous communities hard, threatening their land and culture
1 year, 8 months ago

Canadian wildfires hit Indigenous communities hard, threatening their land and culture

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Why would I want to leave such beautiful memories?” …

As Canada reels from wildfire, First Nations hope for larger role
1 year, 8 months ago

As Canada reels from wildfire, First Nations hope for larger role

Al Jazeera  

Advocates say that Indigenous communities must be given greater autonomy to engage in traditional burning practices. But when you take away fire, these landscapes become overgrown,” Amy Cardinal Christianson, an Indigenous fire specialist with Parks Canada from Treaty 8 Metis territory in Alberta, told Al Jazeera in a recent phone call. “But if we, as a society, have decided that …

Australian First Nations women travel to US to exchange knowledge on cultural burning practices
2 years, 5 months ago

Australian First Nations women travel to US to exchange knowledge on cultural burning practices

ABC  

Indigenous women from all over the world have learnt cultural burning practices from Australia as part of a unique firefighting program held in the United States. Key points: Female Indigenous firefighters from Australia have been taking part in cultural burns in California The Native American Karuk tribe has not been allowed to burn on country for 200 years Cultural burning …

Op-Ed: Why forest managers need to team up with Indigenous fire practitioners
2 years, 7 months ago

Op-Ed: Why forest managers need to team up with Indigenous fire practitioners

LA Times  

This portion of the Goosenest Adaptive Management Area in Northern California had undergone pine thinning and two rounds of broadcast burning before the Antelope fire hit in August 2021. Land managers and cultural fire practitioners intentionally light fires when conditions are such that they can be managed or self-limiting, practices known as prescribed fire and cultural burning. Indigenous practitioners have …

Cultural burning in California: Key to prevent deadly wildfires.
2 years, 8 months ago

Cultural burning in California: Key to prevent deadly wildfires.

Slate  

On May 20, the U.S. Forest Service announced a 90-day “pause” on prescribed fires. National conversations about fire policy often ignore the fact that millennia-old models of “best available science” and “on-the-ground-implementation” are right before our eyes: Long before U.S. bureaucrats embraced prescribed burns as a forest management tool, Indigenous stewards across the West tended woodlands by routinely removing excess …

Op-Ed: Wildfires have changed. Firefighting hasn’t
2 years, 8 months ago

Op-Ed: Wildfires have changed. Firefighting hasn’t

LA Times  

Already this year, both Colorado and New Mexico have seen the most destructive wildfires in their states’ histories. In an interview with NPR, Boulder’s wildland fire chief Brian Oliver likened the futility of fighting some wildfires with “trying to fight a hurricane.” I came across this strange comparison often in interviews with wildland firefighters. Success created other risks: As one …

Northern Australia's fire management and mapping: How the integration of 'old and new' has led to success
2 years, 8 months ago

Northern Australia's fire management and mapping: How the integration of 'old and new' has led to success

ABC  

For nearly two decades, researchers have been mapping fires in Northern Australia's tropical savannas and rangelands. Mimal Land Management CEO Dominic Nicholls said one reason Northern Australia's fire management had been so successful was because it was built on the "old land management principals and traditional knowledge" from First Nations people. "The fire management in Northern Australia is certainly very …

Wildfires to increase up to 30 per cent by 2050: experts
3 years, 1 month ago

Wildfires to increase up to 30 per cent by 2050: experts

The Hindu  

Exhausted firefighters have been battling blazes in northern Argentina for weeks. "At the same time, climate change is made worse by wildfires, mostly by ravaging sensitive and carbon-rich ecosystems like peatlands and rainforests," said the authors of the report. That destruction — to crops and homes, human health and the natural environment — means wildfires "disproportionately affect the world's poorest …

For tribes, ‘good fire’ a key to restoring nature and people
3 years, 5 months ago

For tribes, ‘good fire’ a key to restoring nature and people

Associated Press  

WEITCHPEC, Calif. — Elizabeth Azzuz stood in prayer on a Northern California mountainside, grasping a torch of wormwood branches, the fuel her Native American ancestors used to burn underbrush in thick forests. “Fire is a tool left by the Creator to restore our environment and the health of our people,” said Azzuz, board secretary for the Cultural Fire Management Council, …

For tribes, 'good fire' a key to restoring nature and people
3 years, 5 months ago

For tribes, 'good fire' a key to restoring nature and people

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Now, descendants of those who quietly kept the old …

Scientist investigating Australia's past says Indigenous cultural burning key to controlling bushfires
3 years, 9 months ago

Scientist investigating Australia's past says Indigenous cultural burning key to controlling bushfires

ABC  

Nestled beside one of Melbourne's busiest roads, sits the Bolin Bolin Billabong — a site of immense cultural significance for the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people. to unpack the history of landscape change from Aboriginal management through to the modern day, not only for how we manage this country but understanding how it operates," Dr Fletcher said. " "The biggest …

“We” creatures of the earth: Ethical reflections on Australia’s fires
4 years, 4 months ago

“We” creatures of the earth: Ethical reflections on Australia’s fires

ABC  

I was overseas in December 2019. Though we are Australians by virtue of citizenship, the character of our grief as Australians didn’t focus on the nation as a political entity: it focused on the country, as we think of “country” when we speak of love of it, a love that is always mediated by local affections for a region, a …

I was a firefighter. There’s a way to stop wildfires happening — but the US government won’t allow it
4 years, 6 months ago

I was a firefighter. There’s a way to stop wildfires happening — but the US government won’t allow it

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Fire season comes every year, but …

Could Aboriginal fire practices help combat Australian wildfires?
4 years, 6 months ago

Could Aboriginal fire practices help combat Australian wildfires?

Al Jazeera  

Jenny Brown, who leads Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Impact at the Australian Red Cross, has seen how wildfires devastated her community and others. A Wandi Wandian woman from Yuin country – a seawater First Nations in New South Wales – she spoke to Al Jazeera about how a resurgence in traditional practices is helping tackle issues such …

Bushfire royal commission told Aboriginal people routinely ignored in post-disaster commissions
4 years, 9 months ago

Bushfire royal commission told Aboriginal people routinely ignored in post-disaster commissions

ABC  

The bushfire royal commission has been told that Indigenous land management is critical to preventing catastrophic bushfires but that in the past, Aboriginal voices have been ignored. Key points: The bushfire royal commission has focussed on hazard reduction and indigenous cultural burning this week Commission told Indigenous people must be involved in cultural burning practices Calls for long-term funding to …

Deadly fires in Australia have made climate change converts, as in California
5 years, 1 month ago

Deadly fires in Australia have made climate change converts, as in California

LA Times  

The turning point came in 2017, when wind-whipped blazes swept through the foothills, jumped a freeway and burned through thousands of homes and businesses, killing more than 40 people. “No one can recall an event like this,” said Nick Clark, a farmer who lost most of his sheep’s pasture to a wind-driven fire on Southern Australia’s Kangaroo Island in mid-January. …

The history of fire in Australia — and how it can help us face the bushfires of the future
5 years, 1 month ago

The history of fire in Australia — and how it can help us face the bushfires of the future

ABC  

This summer's horrific bushfires have felt more intense than ever, the threat more immediate and encompassing — but fires are not new in Australia. "What had already been a fire continent became even more so with the work that was done by Aboriginal people over a long period with the fire stick," Professor Griffiths says. "In other words, we haven't …

Bushfires devastate unique woodlands on the Nullarbor, threaten native wildlife with extinction
5 years, 2 months ago

Bushfires devastate unique woodlands on the Nullarbor, threaten native wildlife with extinction

ABC  

Hundreds of native animals are believed dead and a rare species of bird may be bound for the "extinction radar" after massive bushfires in Western Australia swept through the world's biggest temperate woodland. Key points: Covering almost 16m hectares, the Great Western Woodlands is the largest temperate woodland left on Earth, but vast swathes have been burnt More than 300 …

How Australia’s Indigenous people can help the country fight fire
5 years, 2 months ago

How Australia’s Indigenous people can help the country fight fire

Al Jazeera  

Fire plays a central role in indigenous life and could hold the key to better management of bushfires in Australia. “We know from research we’ve done, from over 200-plus years of documentation, that fire was actually in our landscape.” Nelson describes how Aboriginal people would move through the bush, systematically setting undergrowth alight, in order to promote the growth of …

Australia fires: Indigenous people have a solution for the country’s bushfires. And it’s been around for tens and thousands of years
5 years, 2 months ago

Australia fires: Indigenous people have a solution for the country’s bushfires. And it’s been around for tens and thousands of years

CNN  

CNN — The fires in Australia have been burning for months, consuming nearly 18 million acres of land, causing thousands to evacuate and killing potentially millions of animals. The Aboriginal people would set small-scale fires that weren’t too intense and clear the land of the extra debris. Rick Rycroft/AP And though current fire fighters on the ground still use some …

Australia's Wildfires Spark Disinformation Battle As They Take A Tragic Toll
5 years, 2 months ago

Australia's Wildfires Spark Disinformation Battle As They Take A Tragic Toll

NPR  

Australia's Wildfires Spark Disinformation Battle As They Take A Tragic Toll Enlarge this image toggle caption Wiktor Szymanowicz/Barcroft Media via Getty Images Wiktor Szymanowicz/Barcroft Media via Getty Images Australia is struggling to cope with deadly infernos and faces losing nearly a billion animals in the terrible bushfires — but in the midst of those tragedies, authorities are also battling hoaxes …

Indigenous fire practices have been used to quell bushfires for thousands of years, experts say
5 years, 2 months ago

Indigenous fire practices have been used to quell bushfires for thousands of years, experts say

ABC  

As Australia's bushfire emergency rages on, discussion over fire authorities' potential use of Indigenous and cultural fire practices has come under the spotlight. Key points: Indigenous leaders say there has been "huge interest" from farmers, landowners and communities wanting to learn about traditional burning Cultural burning generally uses smaller, more controlled flames than hazard reduction burns, and has more applications …

Our bushfire history shows politicians could learn a lesson from Indigenous Australia
5 years, 4 months ago

Our bushfire history shows politicians could learn a lesson from Indigenous Australia

ABC  

Flying towards Canberra from Melbourne in January 2003, the Qantas pilot told those of us seated on the starboard side of the jet we'd see something extraordinary if we peered out the window. The evidence is in art Gammage cites explorers and early settlers who commonly remarked how much of Australia looked like a "park", with plenty of grass, open …

Indigenous leaders say Australia's bushfire crisis shows approach to land management failing
5 years, 4 months ago

Indigenous leaders say Australia's bushfire crisis shows approach to land management failing

ABC  

Indigenous leaders, who have been warning about a bushfire crisis for years, are calling for a radical change to how land is managed as Australia faces some of its worst bushfire conditions on record. Key points: Indigenous leaders are calling for a new workforce of 'fire practitioners' to implement traditional burning practices across Australia Traditional burning techniques involve regular, controlled …

For many tribes in the Amazon, fire is part of their livelihood and culture
5 years, 6 months ago

For many tribes in the Amazon, fire is part of their livelihood and culture

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery The current fire ban could harm the cultures of many ancient tribes For many Indigenous …

As Amazon fires rage, an indigenous community braces for its world to change
5 years, 7 months ago

As Amazon fires rage, an indigenous community braces for its world to change

CNN  

Campos Amazonicos National Park, Brazil CNN — An orange hue greets dusk in the Campos Amazonicos. The Tenharim have called this area “Mother” for centuries, but fear the raging inferno of this year and the rampant deforestation around the Amazon may soon leave them orphans. “Since this president came to power these things are happening a lot more.” He means …

Indigenous fire methods protect land before and after the Tathra bushfire
6 years, 6 months ago

Indigenous fire methods protect land before and after the Tathra bushfire

ABC  

On a hot, dry day in March 2018, 20 separate wildfires ignited across the Bega Valley in New South Wales. "There's a lot more care taken with a cultural burn than with a hazard reduction burn," said George Aldridge, a cultural burn crew member with the Bega LALC. "From the test burns that we've done in these areas, we're documenting …

Workshops share traditional knowledge of 'cultural burns' as fire management
6 years, 9 months ago

Workshops share traditional knowledge of 'cultural burns' as fire management

ABC  

Ancient traditions of land management by fire have been handed down to generations of Aboriginal people. "To see the benefits of what Aboriginal people are doing in respect to fire burning and why they do it, when they do it and how they do it," land service officer Harry White said. "There has to be adequate training, there has to …

Urban areas threatened by megafires in early days of climate change
9 years, 4 months ago

Urban areas threatened by megafires in early days of climate change

ABC  

Robyn Williams: And it was David Bowman who came up with the idea of bringing elephants to Australia, a charming idea, I would have thought. David Bowman: I was being provocative, but what we're trying to get people to think about is if we are going to stabilise the fire problems we've got globally and in particular Australia where we've …

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