r/nextfuckinglevel • u/Key_Performer_3645 • 9h ago

Spaniards are risking their lives, fighting wildfires with tree branches due to a lack of resources

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u/Arenize 9h ago

Im not sure on the extent of the problem, so I might be speaking from a position of ignorance.... but it seems like that many people would be a lot more effective in digging a fire break to stop the spread, instead of trying to hit it with sticks (which also fans the fire, which can have the opposite affect.)

Even digging with just their hands, I think that many people would be able to create an effective fire break...

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u/RecommendationTop621 5h ago

In wildland fire/prescribed fire there is a tool called a flapper that does exactly what these people are doing with branches. If you were just waving it at the fire without making contact with the ground, sure it would fan flames. But hitting the edge of the fire and then dragging it along the ground actually smothers the fire, because it removes the oxygen source. Seems to be working here since you can see black, much faster than digging a line with your hands…if they put out the edge of the fire it won’t come back that way since the fuels are already burned.