BAER INCIWEB ARTICLE: Eaton and Hurst Post-Fire BAER Assessments Presentation Summary to Angeles National Forest Managers Released

Attached below under Related Information is a summary (PDF document) of the Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team's presentation to Angeles National Forest managers regarding its post-fire assessments of the Eaton and Hurst burned areas.

Ahead of incoming wet weather forecasted later this week, Grindstone District firefighters are planning to burn piles at Chico Seed Orchard (up to 10 acres) and Letts Lake Campground (up to 150 acres) beginning Wednesday. On the Upper Lake/Covelo Ranger Districts, firefighters are potentially burning piles along the roadside on the M1 Rd (15 to 45 acres). We ask visitors to avoid areas where prescribed operations will be taking place. Some smoke may be visible. People should not be alarmed as the fires are carefully monitored. Local fire and government authorities are notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations. Maps of pile burn operations can be found on Inciweb under the Maps tab.  

Larimer County, Canyon Lakes Ranger District - Week of Jan 28 to Feb 4, 2025

Fire managers plan to continue to burn piles on Canyon Lakes Ranger District this week if conditions allow. The potential units planned for the week of January 28 to February 4 are as follows:

Glen Haven 2 & 3: Hand piles. Adjacent to Glen Haven on both sides of County Rd 43.

Thompson River 4: Hand piles. 6 miles east of Estes Park, along FSR 122 (Pole Hill Rd).

Dunraven Glade: Machine piles. 2 miles northwest of County Road 43 and Dunraven Road intersection, along Dunraven Road.

Note: These machine piles near the Dunraven Trailhead are being burned with an air curtain burner. Crews have been successfully burning piles from this unit using the air curtain burner over the past several weeks.

Last week, due to multiple days of favorable conditions, including good wind for smoke ventilation and adequate snow cover, fire personnel on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests were able to successfully burn over 11,900 piles spanning more than 570 treatment acres.

Visit our Rx Fire Map for the most up to date status on each unit.

Location: Lake Hughes Road, Castaic 

Start Date: January 22, 2025 

Acres Burned: 10,425

Containment: 98%

Personnel: 446

Cause: Under Investigation 

Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hughes-fire

NOTE: Given the progress, this will be the final official update of the Hughes Fire.

Current Situation: As of January 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., we are no longer in unified command and Angeles National Forest is in command of the fire. Firefighters have successfully held the fire at 10,425 acres and brought containment up to 98%. Crews continue to identify and extinguish isolated pockets of heat within the fire perimeter to prevent rekindling. Suppression repair efforts are underway to repair areas of the forest that were disturbed during the firefighting operations, including restoring natural drainage patterns and mitigating soil erosion.                                                                                                        Mostly weak diurnal winds will likely prevail through Thursday. Possible increase of northerly winds with gusts of 25-45 mph range along the ridge tops in the evening to early morning hours this weekend. There is a 30% chance of rain sometime early next week. Residents seeking sandbags for protection against possible debris flow can visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/.

We extend our gratitude to all personnel involved in the firefighting efforts and to the community for their cooperation and resilience during this incident. 

Forest Closure: 

The entire Angeles National Forest is temporarily closed through Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 midnight (end of day) for public safety and the protection of natural resources. 

• To read Forest Order No. 05-01-25-04, click here. 
• The temporary closure of the forest is tied to critical fire danger. Visit the Angeles National Forest fire restrictions webpage for more information.

Evacuation Map: For the most up-to-date Evacuation information visit Protect Genasys using the link: https://protect.genasys.com/hazards/994072d2-e154-434a-bb95-6f6c94c40829?z=14&latlon=34.55793522131029%2C-118.58305932960019

Road Closures:

• https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/ 
• https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ 

Williams, Ariz., January 24, 2025 — Fire managers on the Kaibab National Forest will be conducting prescribed pile burns throughout the 2025 winter season as conditions safely allow. Winter is often the ideal time for crews to burn piles of slash and woody debris left over from forest thinning projects because colder temperatures and snow help moderate fire behavior and keep it from spreading beyond the piles. Approximately 2,190 acres of piles on the Tusayan Ranger District, 5,500 acres on the Williams Ranger District, with additional acres of piles on the North Kaibab Ranger District are slated for burning this season.

With winter precipitation in the forecast for this weekend, crews on the Tusayan Ranger District anticipate conducting pile burns Monday, January 27, 2025, with up to 1,420 acres of hand piles located along Forest Road 302 and State Route 64 south of the Town of Tusayan near the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. The piles can be seen from the town and highway and smoke will be visible during ignitions. The piles are relatively small-in-size and will consume quickly. Little to no smoke impacts are expected. Cooler overnight temperatures may cause smoke to settle into low-lying drainages surrounding these burn locations. Motorists are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active project areas.

Prescribed fire activity will be posted as Alerts on the Kaibab NF homepage. 

Forest visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when in the vicinity of any prescribed fire project. 

All prescribed fires on the forest are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Daily approved prescribed fires and other information about their Smoke Management Program can be found on the ADEQ Air Quality Division website.

Keep up with the Kaibab National Forest by subscribing to our news releases, visiting our website, following us on X and Facebook, or by contacting your local ranger station. 

Tuesday, January 28th will be the last incident update for the Hughes Fire, unless significant activity occurs. Phones will no longer be staffed after 5:00 p.m. today, Monday, January 27th. 
For information regarding the Hughes Fire or the Angeles National Forest, call (626) 574-1613 
(M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).

Current Situation: Rain throughout the day aided in fire suppression efforts yesterday as crews persisted with mop-up activities, clearing roads, creating water bars, and backhauling equipment. With containment now at 95%, firefighters and resources continued to demobilize.

Rainy conditions are expected to continue into this evening, with a flood watch in effect until 4 p.m. today. Residents seeking sandbags for protection against possible debris flow can visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/. Warmer and drier air in the region is projected Tuesday through Friday.  
 

Location: Lake Hughes Road, Castaic 

Start Date: January 24, 2025 

Acres Burned: 10,425

Containment: 92%

Personnel: 1,439

Cause: Under Investigation 

Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hughes-fire 

Incident Information Line 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: 

• Public Line: (626) 662-0120
• Media Line: (323) 881-2450

Current Situation: Yesterday, firefighters fortified control lines, extinguished hot spots, and continued mop-up activities. Crews repaired roads, backhauled firehose, and began preparing for rain overnight and through the weekend. With containment now at 92% and evacuation orders lifted the day prior, strike teams patrolled nearby communities to ensure safety. Firefighters and resources began to demobilize, with crews remaining available for future incidents, should they be needed.

Rain and a chance of thunderstorms today and tomorrow should stifle fire activity but could bring localized flash flooding and debris flows, as well as gusty winds. Crews are actively coordinating with the National Weather Service to monitor any oncoming storms. The heaviest rain is expected this afternoon and evening, with a flood watch in effect from 4 p.m. this afternoon to 4 p.m. tomorrow. Residents seeking sandbags for protection against possible debris flow can visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/. Shifting winds are expected to bring drier air Tuesday.  
 

Evacuation Map: For the most up-to-date Evacuation information visit Protect Genasys using the link: https://protect.genasys.com/hazards/994072d2-e154-434a-bb95-6f6c94c40829?z=14&latlon=34.55793522131029%2C-118.58305932960019

Road Closures:

• https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/ 
• https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ 

Forest Closure:  

The entire Angeles National Forest is temporarily closed through Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 midnight (end of day) for public safety and the protection of natural resources. 

• To read Forest Order No. 05-01-25-04, click here. 
• The temporary closure of the forest is tied to critical fire danger. Visit the Angeles National Forest fire restrictions webpage for more information. 

Location: Lake Hughes Road, Castaic 

Start Date: January 24, 2025 

Acres Burned: 10,425

Containment: 87%

Personnel: 1,725

Cause: Under Investigation 

Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hughes-fire 

Incident Information Line 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: 

• Public Line: (626) 662-0120
• Media Line: (323) 881-2450

Current Situation: Firefighters continued to improve and add control lines overnight, bringing containment to 87% and keeping the fire within its current perimeter. On the northern flank, crews patrolled rugged terrain for hot spots and will continue mop-up activities today. With yesterday’s evacuation orders lifted and residents returning to their homes, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department exited unified command. Additionally, the Red Cross closed their evacuation center for this fire, due to the rapid rate of containment and repopulation. We will begin releasing firefighters and resources to make them available for future incidents, should they be needed.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity tonight are expected to aid in the firefighters’ efforts in extinguishing hot spots. Crews will be on alert for localized flooding and debris flows this weekend, with the potential for rain in the forecast. For residents seeking sandbags for protection against possible debris flow, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/ 

Evacuation Map: For the most up-to-date Evacuation information visit Protect Genasys using the link: https://protect.genasys.com/hazards/994072d2-e154-434a-bb95-6f6c94c40829?z=14&latlon=34.55793522131029%2C-118.58305932960019

Road Closures:

• https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/ 
• https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ 

Forest Closure:  

The entire Angeles National Forest is temporarily closed through Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 midnight (end of day) for public safety and the protection of natural resources. 

• To read Forest Order No. 05-01-25-04, click here. 
• The temporary closure of the forest is tied to critical fire danger. Visit the Angeles National Forest fire restrictions webpage for more information. 
   

Location: Lake Hughes Road, Castaic 

Start Date: January 24, 2025 

Acres Burned: 10,425

Containment: 79%

Personnel: 1,725

Cause: Under Investigation 

Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hughes-fire 

Incident Information Line 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: 

• Public Line: (626) 662-0120
• Media Line: (323) 881-2450

Current Situation: Firefighters charged forward and improved the control lines in addition to tactically patrolling neighborhoods to steadfastly protect structures and residents.

Shifting winds meant firefighters had to remain vigilant against the potential spread of the fire in any direction. Bravely facing these challenging conditions, resolute firefighters increased the fire’s containment to 79%. Night crews will continue the charge, working to keep the fire within its current perimeter and preparing for potential hazards such as localized flooding and debris flows due to rain.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department exited unified command as their vital role in keeping the community safe was relieved when evacuation orders were lifted allowing all residents to return to their homes. In light of the astonishing speed in which repopulating occurred, the Red Cross has closed their evacuation center for this fire.

Pending unforeseen changes, this will be the final evening update for the Hughes Fire. In addition, the phone lines will now be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Evacuation Map: For the most up-to-date Evacuation information visit Protect Genasys using the link: https://protect.genasys.com/hazards/994072d2-e154-434a-bb95-6f6c94c40829?z=14&latlon=34.55793522131029%2C-118.58305932960019

Road Closures:

• https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/ 
• https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ 

Forest Closure:  

The entire Angeles National Forest is temporarily closed through Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 midnight (end of day) for public safety and the protection of natural resources. 

• To read Forest Order No. 05-01-25-04, click here. 
• The temporary closure of the forest is tied to critical fire danger. Visit the Angeles National Forest fire restrictions webpage for more information. 

Fire Information: 

InciWeb Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hughes-fire

Los Angeles County Fire Department: https://fire.lacounty.gov/

BAER INFORMATION BRIEF: 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/.

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