365Telugu.com online news, National, January 24th 2025: Groundbreaking research by students from the University of Canterbury (UC) is shedding new light on how hedgerows and shelterbelts influence rural fire risks in Canterbury.
Conducted in partnership with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), the study examined critical factors like fuel load, vegetation type, and proximity to infrastructure, offering insights into mitigating fire hazards in rural areas.
George Hamilton, one of the researchers, shared his personal connection to the study:
“My neighbour’s house was destroyed in a hedgerow fire that spread over 2 kilometres. That experience motivated my interest in understanding and preventing such risks.”
Hamilton and fellow student Renee Martin mapped hedgerows and shelterbelts in West Melton, analyzing their characteristics and geospatial relationship to infrastructure. The project was supervised by Associate Professor Marwan Katurji from UC’s School of Earth and Environment.
The research revealed several strategies to mitigate fire risks:
- Native Plantings: Using native vegetation reduces fire susceptibility.
- Strategic Breaks: Creating breaks in shelterbelts limits the spread of fires.
- Distance from Buildings: Planting hedgerows and shelterbelts farther from structures minimizes risks.
A risk index was also developed to identify high-risk areas and assist communities in preemptive fire management and quicker response during emergencies.
The project, part of the third-year course Research for Resilient Environments and Communities, aimed to address real-world challenges. Martin emphasized the value of collaboration:
“Working with FENZ and community stakeholders taught us adaptability and the importance of applying academic knowledge to practical problems.”
Associate Professor Katurji highlighted the project’s broader implications:
“This student-led research enhances our understanding of rural fire risks, aligning with FENZ’s national wildfire threat analysis programme. It provides valuable insights for predicting fire behaviour and allocating firefighting resources.”
Grant Pearce, FENZ Wildfire Scientist, commended the initiative:
“Student projects like these introduce fresh perspectives and approaches that can significantly improve outcomes. We look forward to continuing this partnership next year.”
The team sees opportunities to scale the research nationally and internationally. Hamilton noted:
“With advanced skills, time, and technology, we can further refine the differentiation of hedgerows from other vegetation and structures, enabling more precise risk assessments.”
This collaborative effort underscores the importance of combining academic research with community engagement to tackle pressing environmental challenges effectively.