Pre-reading questions:
- What do you know about wildfires? How do they typically start, and what are some of the consequences?
- Why do you think wildfires are more common in some regions than others?
Vocabulary:
- break out /breyk out/
- lead to /leed too/
- federal /FED-er-uhl/
- evacuee /ih-vak-yoo-EE/
- strategy /STRAT-i-jee/
[phrasal verb] – to start suddenly and violently, especially of a fire or war
The campers were frightened when the forest fire broke out nearby.
[phrasal verb] – to cause something to happen or result in a particular situation
Careless disposal of cigarettes can lead to wildfires in dry areas.
[adjective] – relating to a national government, especially when it comes to its powers versus
those of the states
The federal government provides resources to assist regions affected by natural disasters like wildfires.
[noun] – a person who has been evacuated from a dangerous area due to a disaster or emergency
The evacuees were provided shelter and food by local authorities after fleeing the wildfire.
[noun] – a plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal or objective
Firefighters employed various strategies to contain the wildfire and prevent it from spreading further.
Article reading:
In British Columbia, a weather system helped control a fire near Fort Nelson, while in Manitoba, a large fire in Cranberry Portage led to evacuations. Various local, provincial, and federal agencies collaborated to manage the fires, deploying additional firefighters and assisting evacuees. Emphasis was placed on staying informed, prepared, and safe amidst the growing threat of fires due to climate change. Strategies like controlled burns, improved land management, and advanced firefighting technology are crucial for mitigating fire risks. Educating communities about fire safety measures before incidents occur can enhance resilience and response efforts.
Comprehension questions
- What event occurred near Fort McMurray, Alberta, on May 15, 2024?
- How did the weather contribute to managing the fire near Fort Nelson in British Columbia?
- What is emphasized in managing wildfires amidst the growing threat due to climate change?
- What are some strategies mentioned in the article for mitigating fire risks?
- What role do various agencies play in managing wildfires, as stated in the article?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever witnessed the impact of a wildfire on your community or nearby areas? If so, how did people come together to support each other during that time? If not, what measures do you think your community could take to prepare for such emergencies?
- Have you ever had to evacuate your home due to a fire or other natural disaster? If so, how did you prepare for it? If not, how would you prepare for it?
- Do you agree that educating communities about fire safety measures is essential for better preparedness and response to wildfires?
- How do you think climate change is influencing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, and what can communities do to adapt to these changes?
- How can we use technology better to predict and stop wildfires? And how can we make sure everyone has fair access to these technologies?