Heat Blast Radiation Fallout

Most of the immediate deaths from the bombs which destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki were as a result of the intense firestorms which followed each nuclear explosion. Temperatures in the fireball itself are 100 million degrees Celsius, several times hotter than the centre of the sun. Much of the energy caused by the explosion is directed in the form of heat. Within the immediate area of the explosion material heat levels would be fatal.

Those caught out in the open within 4 kms of the fireball would suffer from third degree burns resulting in charred skin.

Even more devastating would be the firestorm. The fire in the area around the explosion would build a force of its own. The updraft of hot air would suck air from surrounding areas making the fire more intensive. The firestorm could affect an area within 5 kms of the explosion.

Beyond this there would be further individual fires. Damage to gas pipes, and blast damage, combined with the heat from the explosion would ignite many fires up to 8 kms from ground zero.