Typically the roots of plants hold soil in place. Many shrubs will re-sprout and many trees will regenerate after a fire. However, the burned plants aboveground result in an input of dead roots below ground, which has the potential to influence decomposers as well. As these old roots decompose, they become less efficient in holding the soil in place which will allow the soil and rock to shift and move under foot. In addition, storm-triggered landslides and rockfall may make trails and roads impassable. In some cases the existing trail and trail markers may also be obliterated making route finding difficult. In addition, Intense burns could create detrimental effects on the soils’ physical properties by consuming organic matter, resulting in the loss of soil structure which leads to soil erosion.  Stay on trail in burned areas and be cautious of where you are standing.

Burned landscapes have fewer plants to intercept rain thus more reaches the ground with high impact. In addition there are fewer plants actively growing so evapotranspiration rates are also much lower, which means the soils become saturated much more quickly than they did before a fire. Vegetation loss and soil exposure creates a risk of flash floods and debris flows. Both create deep rumbling noises and ground vibration. Be very aware of the weather. Avoid travel in channels when rain is likely. If you get caught unaware, climb to high ground. Don’t enter flood waters as you may not have a solid substrate underneath and the flow may be stronger than you estimate. Look, listen, and react quickly! Debris flows can make trails and roads impassable. Post-fire debris flows are triggered typically by erosion caused by rainfall runoff and landsliding caused by rainfall seeping into the ground. If possible, avoid fire zones during or shortly after rain.

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) effort started before the August Complex was out and is scheduled to continue for the first year after the fire. The US Forest Service specialists assessed the burned area for watershed impacts, hazard trees, and other concerns. Treatments to minimize those impacts are then prescribed and implemented. Watch for personnel and equipment as the Forest Service ramps up its restoration efforts which include – to name a few – roadside hazard tree management, thinning, burning and planting. During implementation there may be heavy equipment and aircraft working in and around the burned area.

Hazard trees will exist throughout the burned area. It is often hard to assess the long-term survival of scorched trees, some of which may subsequently die while others may recover. Assume that a dead or defected tree may fall and impact an area up to two times its height. Even isolated green trees that are surrounded by a heavily burned area are very prone to breakage and uprooting. Even if a tree looks robust, it could be at risk of falling due to altering soil properties and soil hydrology. Allow yourself some extra room and consider the potential fall zone when choosing a travel route. Be especially wary of hazardous trees after rain events or during high winds, or on very hot days.

Fire dramatically alters wildlife habitat. Many animals are migratory and were out of the area at the time of the fire. These animals may experience a delayed response to the changes in their habitat when they return or they may simply choose not to return to that particular site. As many plants will respond favorably to fire, there may be a fresh flush of desired forage plants that will concentrate animals in new places. Be aware of your surroundings and know what wildlife you might encounter in the area.

Be careful where you step, both for your own safety and to watch for young seedlings and fragile plants. 

If you are driving to the site, parking is important to figure out beforehand. Parking could be far from the location, not accessible or only appropriate for 4-wheel drive. 

Make sure that the routes you take and the destinations themselves are open to the public. If you’re unsure, check in with the appropriate agency that manages the burn area. This information is available on our Burn Area webpage.