Current Situation: 

• The Lava Fire is 67% contained at 97,773 acres, with 543 personnel assigned. 
• Gusty winds affected fire behavior yesterday with isolated torching observed. 
• Helicopters dropped buckets of water on the fire to cool flare-ups in DIV C along the fire’s northeastern flank.
• Cooler weather is forecast for the next two days.
• Suppression repair is ongoing in many areas, including DIVs K and N along the west flank to mitigate future erosion and repair damage caused by firefighting efforts. 
• Firefighters scouted the northeast corner of the fire to identify opportunities to increase containment near Willow Creek subdivision
• The Sawtooth Hotshots worked in the Anderson Creek drainage on the north side of the fire completing direct hand line to further secure the fire line. Crews will lay hose in this area for added protection.
• The Idaho City Hotshots worked above Forest Road 653 in DIV U along the southern flank of the fire.
• Firefighters used unmanned aerial systems to identify areas of heat to assist ground-based crews.

Weather: Wednesday saw higher temperatures and lower humidity over the fire along with gusty winds. Cloud cover increased yesterday evening. Humidity is expected to be somewhat higher which will help mitigate the fire behavior.

Evacuations: A Level 1 “READY” notice remains for residents south of South Grays Creek, along Little Weiser River Road in Indian Valley, North of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and the Mesa Area. Valley County Sheriff’s Office has removed Zones 2 & 3 from LEVEL 1 “READY” status. Zones 4 – 6 remain in a LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation notice. 

Closures: The Boise and Payette National Forests implemented a joint Lava Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure for public and firefighter safety. For more information see Payette National Forest closures or Boise National Forest closures. 

Gem County Road and Bridge has issued the following road closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. The Sweet-Ola Highway is closed at the High Valley intersection in Ola. Please be advised that the Gem County Sheriff’s Office is staffing the road closure check points. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been updated. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_8199.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.

Fire Info Phone: 208-708-5003  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Email: 2024.Lava@firenet.gov        .

Facebook:@LavaFire Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-lava-fire

Forest Service Teams Begin Post-Fire Assessments of Southern California Wildfires

Three Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams have been established by the San Bernardino, Cleveland, and Angeles national forests (NFs) to begin post-fire burned area assessments of the Line, Airport, and Bridge fires that recently burned on National Forest System, state, and private lands. Forest Service BAER team assessments typically take approximately two weeks to complete.

BAER teams coordinate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Weather Service (NWS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other federal, state, counties, and other local agencies as they assess potential post-fire impacts to the burned watersheds. For these three Southern California wildfires, the NFs also coordinated with CAL FIRE, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, Tribal governments, and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. 

Emergency Stabilization-BAER surveys are rapid assessments to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands. The BAER team evaluates the burned area to identify watersheds having increased potential for post-fire flooding, sediment delivery, and rockslides, and assists land managers in preparing for seasonal thunder cell storms or winter rainstorms. They also model hydrologic response throughout the burned area and share the team’s findings with the affected downstream agencies.

BAER teams may consist of scientists and specialists including hydrologists, geologists, soil scientists, road engineers, botanists, biologists, archeologists, and geographic information specialists. BAER teams collect field data during their burned area surveys to analyze through GIS and computer models and present their findings along with recommended BAER emergency stabilization treatments in a BAER assessment report. 

The development of the soil burn severity maps for the Line, Airport, and Bridge fires is an interagency collaboration between the California State Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) and the Forest Service BAER teams. The teams utilize satellite imagery and specialist data to analyze fire effects, produce erosion potential and debris-flow maps, and model post-fire flows. This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires to any federal values that may be at-risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows, mudflows, and rockslides. BAER teams produce a report that describes potential threats associated with the burned area’s post-fire conditions and sometimes include recommended emergency stabilization measures and actions. BAER emergency response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety, and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resource values such as the water quality of streams and wetlands on federal lands.

BAER reports are shared with interagency cooperators such as California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), NRCS, California-WERT, and the affected counties who work with downstream private homeowners and landowners to prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts. California-WERT and Forest Service BAER teams coordinate with each other during the assessment of the burned area to ensure post-fire threats are identified.

Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that result from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or www.floodsmart.gov/wildfires. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

Additional information on understanding the BAER program, process and other post-fire information is posted on the “SoCal Post-Fire BAER 2024” InciWeb page found at: Cabdf Southern California Postfire Baer 2024 Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov).

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events--be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/lox/.

###

Final Update from the Fossil Complex

FOSSIL, Ore. – Because the Fossil Complex is at 100% containment and the focus will be on suppression repair, this will be the final update.

The Service Fire repair on the north side is nearing completion. Work is expected to be done after today. The south side is also nearing completion, including the interior island. Work on the Two Cabin Fire should be completed today. As work is completed, crews will move to the Lonerock Fire and Battle Mountain Complex completing scouting and repair.

Work on the Lonerock Fire will be on the northwestern edge as it nears completion, and crews will be moving to the southwest area. The aerial survey was able to identify several areas where there are suppression lines in the interior of the fire and will be added to the work to be repaired.

On the Battle Mountain Complex focus will be on the Cupper Creek area for scouting and fence repair. Crews will also focus on the Portuguese Canyon area to complete work in the next couple of days. On the east side crews will be scouting outside of Ritter for additional dozer lines needing repair.

For further information on the Fossil Complex after today, please contact the following:
Jessica Neujahr - Oregon Department of Forestry
Cell: 503-983-3367
email: Jessica.NEUJAHR@odf.oregon.gov
Web: https://www ODFfire.com
Web: https://www.facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon/

Expect to see ongoing smoke from the fire interior until seasonal wetting rains arrive over the fire.

Thank you to the local communities that endured a very active fire season and supported the ongoing firefighting efforts.

This will be the final daily update for the Buck Creek Fire.

After 6 p.m. today, the incident’s email and telephone will no longer be monitored. For information, see the Buck Creek Fire Inciweb page or call the Silver Lake and Paisley Ranger District for fire information at (541) 576-2107.

Size: 5,758 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 256 | Containment: 98%

(Silver Lake, Ore.) – The Buck Creek Fire started in heavy timber within the Yamsay Mountain Semi-Primitive Area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, 13 miles southwest of Silver Lake, Ore. The fire spread north and east into managed timber stands on National Forest lands with brush/grass understory and remains about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. The fire is now 98% contained. Smoke from burning fuels well inside the secure containment lines will be visible from surrounding areas, but fire managers remain confident fire will not reach secured containment lines at this time. An aerial reconnaissance flew several laps over the fire yesterday afternoon and no smoke or burning debris was seen outside of the containment lines.

Significant work has now been completed on the Buck Creek Fire and as the overall workload is reduced, fire managers have combined divisions for a more manageable strategic plan once the team demobilizes. Much of the repair work has accelerated using an all-wheel drive heavy machine with the capability to quickly chip and break down large wood debris. Containment lines around the perimeter of the fire are now in patrol status. Some woody debris interior to the containment lines will continue to smolder and smoke may be visible to the public.  This type of fire behavior is expected to continue until a season-ending event, such as increased precipitation or snowfall, extinguishes the flames.

On Friday at 6:00 a.m., command of the incident will transition to the local unit from the Fremont-Winema National Forest. A dedicated group of fire managers will continue to monitor and patrol the fire area once the incident management team demobilizes. Commander Steve North and the rest of NW Team 10 extend their gratitude to the local community, business owners and visitors for their unwavering support during this incident. Special thanks to the Silver Lake and Paisley Ranger District for their partnership and guidance during NW Team 10’s time on the Buck Creek Fire. 

Weather:  Expect warm sunny days, clear cool nights and light winds through the end of the month.

Closures and Restrictions: To ensure the safety of the community, Forest Closure Order No. 06-02-04-24-01 relating to the Buck Creek Fire area remains in place. Local fire managers appreciate your continued cooperation with these closures. You can find updates and maps on Forest Closure Orders at the Fremont-Winema National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Buck Creek Fire will be lifted at close of business today.

Smoke: For information on conditions and air quality go to: www.oregonsmoke.org or www.AirNow.gov. 

Email: 2024.homesteadcomplex@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line: 541-208-7100 (Staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)  
Facebook: https://t.ly/mSLvP 
Inciweb: https://t.ly/syeHa 

September 26, 2024 

There are five fires under active management within the Lane 1 and Homestead Complex, totaling approximately 35,860 acres, with 623 people assigned. The Lane 1 fire is 99% contained, and the Homestead Complex is 35% contained. 

Firefighters are improving containment lines across the fire area by reducing fuels through mastication, chipping wood, and hauling fuels to landings away from the fire. There are still many miles of uncontained fire edge. Crews have been systematically searching fire perimeters and extinguishing all detected hot spots, with mop up and patrol as needed.

Crews are clearing and repairing roads impacted by the fires and by fire suppression activities. 101 miles of roadside have been chipped with 27 miles remaining, and 70 miles of road have been repaired with 58 miles remaining. For the Lane 1 Fire, 80 miles of roadside have been chipped with 5 miles remaining, and 58 miles of road has been repaired with 35 miles remaining. 

Rain fell over the fire area yesterday, in amounts ranging from two tenths of an inch in the north to a trace in the south. This rain and cooler weather have reduced fire behavior, and the effects will last for several days. Warmer, drier weather is expected for the next few days, which will dry out fuels and return the potential for fire spread.

On the Horse Heaven Fire, Containment is progressing well on the north end. Crews are patrolling in the south. Chipping and grading continue on the 3839 Road to the east of the fire area. Work on the 010 Road is nearly complete.

The Fuller Lake Fire will continue to back, creep, and smolder in the Boulder Creek Wilderness area.  Fuel break work continues in the southeast portion with 4 masticators, 2 crews, and 2 chippers. 

On the northern part of the Bullpup Fire, crews are chipping, repairing roads and cleaning culverts. Grading is underway on the 3850 Road which is a major access road for fire crews. 

On the No Man Fire, no heat has been detected. Crews will maintain patrols.

On the Lane 1 Fire, Chipping is completed on the east side of the Lane 1 Fire along Pudding Road, and the Umpqua Forest Road Crew has begun road rehabilitation work which is expected to take about a week. Chipping has been completed on the 2241. The rest of Lane 1 is in patrol status.

Closures and fire restrictions: The Umpqua National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have issued revised closure orders. Two closure orders impact the Umpqua National Forest https://t.ly/Mvn6G. A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District closure order is in effect for BLM road(s) 24-1-25 and 24-1-25.1, from the junction with BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) East to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South, Range 1, West Section 25. This area will remain closed. https://t.ly/uWX6l. A BLM Northwest Oregon District closure west of the Lane 1 fire has been lifted. https://t.ly/oW1lG.

Weather and fire behavior: Following the passage of yesterday’s cold front and rain, weather will settle into a more seasonable pattern with mostly sunny skies, temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s, and lower humidity. 

**Middle Fork Complex Daily Update Sept. 26, 2024 09-26-2024**

Middle Fork Complex: 61,484 acres, 90% comple on, 526 Personnel 

Snag Fire: 33,436 acres, 90% comple on, 162 Personnel 

Goat Fire: 26,513 acres, 43% comple on, 67 personnel

Today is expected to be slightly cooler with temperatures in the low 70’s to low 80’s with rela ve humidity falling into the upper teens to upper 20’s. Good rela ve humidity recovery overnight will limit fire behavior. Temperatures expected to heat back up later in the week. No chances of precipita on or thunderstorms are expected in the extended forecast.

Middle Fork Complex – Repair work is wrapping up on the Forest Service 555 road. The Deadwood fire suppression activites are all in repair mode. Scott Lookout continues to see heat to the south, due to increased temperatures causing the lower elevation finer fuels to dry out. Smoke in this area is likely due to this continued weather trend. The clear skies and warmer temperatures will continue to dry the finer fuels throughout the week. Crews are con nuing to monitor these areas for any interior heat.

Goat- Hot Shot crews continue to be in patrol and repair mode, repairing dozer and handline east of the Horse Thief Reservoir. Looking for heat in that area and con nue direct line while mopping up 50 along fires edge, thus preventing fire progression to the west and protecting the values at risk. Containment and comple on line will continue to show more progress.

Snag – 90 percent is completed and repair of firelines are in progress. Crews and engines are still present monitoring and evaluating any concerns. Crews are working on the indirect and direct hand and dozer lines. Suppression repair has been completed around the western, northern, and eastern sides. Crews were able to complete line in the Warm Lake corridor, securing it to Warm Lake Road.

Middle Fork Complex - Suppression Repair= 31 miles of handline completed. 27 miles of dozer line completed. 

Goat and Snag Fires - Suppression Repair = 17.1 miles of handline completed. 29.9 miles of dozer line completed.

Firefighters continue work both fire suppression and suppression repair as needed so heavy firefigh ng equipment is moving from site to site. Please use extreme caution while traveling, especially when approaching vehicles, and at intersections.

Closure Orders: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. Hunters are not allowed access to closed areas. We ask the public to adhere to the closures as they currently exist; in particular, Trail Creek Hot Springs is currently within the closure area for the West Mountain Complex and is closed.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been rescinded for the Boise National Forest. For more information on the restrictions visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.

Middle Fork Fire Information: 208-992-3045 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Email: 2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-middle-fork-complex-fire-bulldog-and-nellie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Middle-Fork-Complex-Fire-Boise-National-Forest/61565022204468

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2024.middleforkcomplex

BAER INFORMATION BRIEF: Preparing for Rain After California Wildfires

Preparing for Rain After California Wildfires

POST-FIRE WATERSHED CONDITIONS—KEY MESSAGES

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires cause damage that requires special efforts to prevent problems afterwards.

Summer monsoon thunderstorms and winter rain events in California mountain areas can result in high water runoff and flooding.

Wildfire increases the potential for flooding, post-fire soil erosion and debris flows that could impact campgrounds, fishing areas, homes, structures, roads, and other infrastructure within, adjacent to, and downstream from the burned areas.

Post-fire, watershed conditions will naturally receive and transport water and sediment differently than during pre-fire conditions.

The public and communities adjacent to and downstream from the wildfire areas should expect increased flooding and debris transport during less than average rain events.

SAFETY CONCERNS CONTINUE AFTER THE FIRE IS OUT

The potential for increased water runoff and debris flows are not just a one-year concern.

We recognize the threat potential of flash floods and debris flows may exist for the next several years, depending on the intensity of these storms.

For life and safety concerns, burned area public land closures are sometimes implemented prior to forecast rain events until the burned area fully recovers.

Residents and visitors should remain alert to weather events and plan ahead when travelling along roads within and downstream from the burned areas.

ASSESSING BURNED WATERSHEDS RESPONSE

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams work with each of the national forests, to assess the condition of the watersheds on National Forest System (NFS) lands burned by wildfires.

BAER assessment teams identify potential emergency threats to BAER critical values that may be considered at-risk on federal lands such as:

• Human life and safety.
• NFS property, such as buildings, water systems and infrastructure, utility systems, road and trail prisms.
• Critical natural resources such as water, soil productivity and hydrologic function, areas where invasive species or noxious weeds may impact native or naturalized communities and may include critical habitat or suitable occupied habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species.
• Critical cultural and heritage resources such as pre-historic and historic properties and sites.

BAER assessment teams recommend emergency stabilization response actions that are implemented on federal land to reduce potential post-fire threats.

PREPARING FOR POTENTIAL FLOODING AND DEBRIS-FLOWS FROM WILDFIRE BURNED AREAS

For values and resources potentially impacted off federal lands, one of the most effective BAER strategies is interagency coordination with local cooperators who assist affected businesses, homes, and landowners with preparing for rain events.

While multi-agency efforts are being taken to reduce the risks to life and safety adjacent to and downstream from the burned areas, nearby residents should develop individual plans to protect themselves and their property.

The USDA Forest Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work together and coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased water run-off and potential flooding impacts.

NRCS and local sponsors prepare damage survey reports for eligible sites on private lands adjacent to and downstream from affected areas.  NRCS uses these reports, along with the Forest Service BAER team’s assessment report, to develop emergency measures to reduce the impacts from potential increased water and debris flows, and assist local sponsors to implement recommended emergency measures through its Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program: (NRCS_EWPP_Fact Sheet-2021.pdf (usda.gov)).

All EWP Program–Recovery projects begin with a local sponsor or legal subdivision of state or tribal government. Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, conservation districts, or any federally recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Interested public and private landowners can apply for EWP Program–Recovery assistance through one of those sponsors. For more information on NRCS Disaster Assistance Programs: Emergency Watershed Protection | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov).

The following links provide information and references for state and local county offices of emergency management promote preparedness through its emergency services programs to assist the public to prepare for, respond appropriately to, and quickly recover from natural emergencies that may impact county residents and visitors:

Flood After Fire--California Toolkit

After the Fire—California Resources

California Current Road Conditions

Cal-Fire—Fire and Resource Assistance

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

California Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT)

Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or FEMA Wildfire Increases Flood Risk. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods and www.floodsmart.gov/.

LINKS TO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND WEBSITES

NRCS California

NRCS Wildfire Disaster Recovery

NRCS Post-Fire Disaster Assistance

NRCS EWP Recovery Assistance

FEMA Wildfire Increases Flood Risk

FEMA Flood After Fire—Fact Sheet

Recovering from Wildfire-Damage Assessments

After the Wildfire Tool Kit

Flood Safety Emergency Preparedness

Be Ready & Prepare for Emergencies

NWS Weather Information—Los Angeles CA

NWS-Los Angeles Facebook

NWS Weather Information—Sacramento CA

NWS-Sacramento Facebook

NWS Post-Wildfire Flash Flood-Debris Flow Guide

NWS-Flood Safety

NWS Burn Scar Flash Flood & Debris Flow Risks

After the Flames Resources

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events--be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/lox/.

Rail Ridge and Wiley Flat Daily Update 

9-26-24

Rail Ridge Fire
Acres: 165,209 – Containment: 61% – Detection Date: Sept 2, 2024 – Cause: Lightning – Total resources: 1239

Operational Update: Yesterday, a cold frontal passage over the Rail Ridge Fire tested control lines with strong winds, gusting up to 45 MPH. Firefighters were prepared for this forecasted event and utilized aerial resources until around 11AM when winds made it unsafe to fly. Containment lines along Coffee Pot Ridge held, where firefighters will continue to secure and mop up during today’s shift. The fire did progress in the Black Canyon Wilderness, from the south side of Black Canyon Creek and is now established in Honeymoon Basin. An Uncrewed Aerial System (drone) is being utilized today to collect intel and identify areas of heat. Firefighters will continue to focus on increasing containment on the northeast side of the fire. Mop up and suppression repair efforts will continue around the perimeter of the fire where containment has been established.

Wiley Flat Fire
Acres: 30,186 – Containment: 94% – Detection Date: Sept 2, 2024 – Cause: Lightning – Total resources: 59

Operational Update: Yesterday’s weather event confirmed confidence in containment lines on the Wiley Flat Fire. Mop up and suppression repair will continue as crews work to eliminate any remaining heat within the fire perimeter.

Weather

Good relative humidity recoveries occurred over the fires area last night. Cooler temperatures, light winds, and sunny skies are expected today. A dry, warming trend is forecasted over the next few days, as a high-pressure system moves into the region.

Evacuations

Rail Ridge Evacuations: Level 1 and 2 evacuation zones for the Rail Ridge Fire remain in Grant County. Wiley Flat Evacuations: Level 2 and 3 evacuation zones are in place for the Wiley Flat Fire in Crook County. For Current Evacuation Levels in Wheeler, Crook and Grant counties, please visit: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

Closures

The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have implemented closures for the Rail Ridge and Wiley Flat Fires. For more details and closure maps, visit https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

#RailRidgeFire2024 #WileyFlatFire2024 #FireYear2024

Rail Ridge and Wiley Flat PIO Map 9-26-24.jpg

Thu, 09/26/2024 - 12:32

---

Rail Ridge and Wiley Flat PIO Map 9-26-24.jpg

BAER INFORMATION BRIEF: Understanding Soil Burn Severity

Understanding Soil Burn Severity

We tend to think of wildfire burn severity in terms of the visual impacts to above-ground vegetation, but the post-fire landscape response (erosion, flooding, and mass movement) is generally more strongly correlated to soil burn severity. When characterizing soil burn severity, looking at the vegetation is a good starting place to understand the conditions on the ground. 

Armed with that information, the BAER team’s watershed specialists (soil scientists, hydrologists, and geologists) ground-truth different vegetation burn intensities to tease out patterns of how fire affected and changed the properties of the soil.  Pre-fire ground cover, forest type, fire behavior, slope, aspect, and other factors all influence soil burn severity.  After field observations are collected, specialists adjust the vegetation severity map to create the soil burn severity (SBS) map.  The SBS is broken into four different classes: unburned (green), low severity (blue), moderate severity (yellow), and high severity (red). 

So, what do these different classifications mean?

LOW severity areas generally have intact and recognizable litter layers (organic material on the forest floor, such as pine needles and twigs).  These litter layers may be charred but are not consumed.  Underlying topsoil is intact, and near-surface fine roots are unburned.  These soils have enough cover to protect them from erosion during rain events because their natural porosity and structure allow rain to soak into the soil instead of running off, while fine roots provide stability.  In low severity areas, burns may have been patchy islands of green vegetation and intact canopies may be present.  

MODERATE severity areas generally have more—up to 80% of their pre-fire surface litter layers consumed by fire.  Black or gray ash may be present on the soil surface. Fine roots near the surface may be scorched and killed.  Topsoil layers are generally intact with minimal impacts to the soil’s ability to absorb moisture. Soils with moderate severity are more susceptible to erosion in post-fire rain events because they have lost protective surface cover and may have less surface stability because of root mortality. 

HIGH severity areas generally have had all their pre-fire surface litter layers consumed by fire.  White or gray ash may be present on the soil surface. Fine roots are often fully burned/consumed within several inches of the soil surface, and even large tree roots may have burned deep into the soil.  Soil may be powdery or grainy and loose, unable to bind together and retain water. These soils are very susceptible to erosion and often have high surface run-off during rainstorms.

So, what does the BAER team do with the SBS map?

The BAER team uses the SBS map to make predictions about how the landscape will respond after fires. Soil scientists consider where soil productivity will be degraded due to erosion losses and where sediment may move into stream channels. Hydrologists use the SBS to predict watershed response—surface runoff from high SBS areas in rainstorms can produce more “flashy” behavior in stream systems.  Geologists use the SBS to inform predictions for debris flow or other mass movement potential based on reduced soil stability in steep drainages.

BAER teams focus on emergency responses to stabilize burned areas that may impact Forest Service critical infrastructure or other values located within or immediately downstream of high soil burn severity areas. 

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events--be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/lox/.