south-east australia is INFESTED with parasites.
not just the genuinely real but very rare firestarters (aust's version of uk chavs smashing up phonebooths, bus-stops, and passers-by), but including: people in public positions seeking attention by wailing about something Obviously Bad. yes, there are deliberate bushfire-starters. but lots less than the media (and academics) habitually claim.
one story is trying to claim a fire was started by discarded cigarette butts because it started near a road. with cars. CARS! DRIVING ON IT! PROOF!
rellie just pointed out the following to me:
eucalypts constantly emit a cloud of eucalypt oil, and when it's hot it fair belches out, to the point of being visible around individual clumps of trees (a blue "mist").
that oil vapour not infrequently spontaneously bursts into flames at treetop level: a "crown fire". well-known among bushies.
the flashpoint of eucalypt oil: 49°
the air temperature of southern victoria for the last few weeks: 47°+
bingo
no conspiracytheory of arsonists required
Posted by
syl, 11th February 2009:
Yeah. I wonder if they could treat the trees with something to stop that happening?
Posted by
syl, 12th February 2009:
No, you'd have to keep it wet. I meant some chemical that might increase the flashpoint. They could spray the trees with it. Which would probably cause some other environmental issue. :(
Posted by
che, 12th February 2009:
Miki - lol at water.
Agent Orange is a wonder substance I hear.
Or perhaps they could introduce a different species of tree that is more fire resistant?
Introducing non-indigenous species has worked so well for Oz in the past... ;)
Posted by
Miki, 13th February 2009:
thanks che :D
I say, more koalas to eat the eucalytus