California's Wildfire Records and Water Supply Impact
Discover the historical records of California wildfires dating back to 1932, the crucial role forests play in supplying water to the Southwest US, the types of wildfires in California, and the human-caused factors behind the deadliest and largest fires. Explore the lesser-known threat of catastrophic water chemistry changes due to wildfires affecting areas like Las Vegas, NM.
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Presentation Transcript
How long has California kept fire records?
1932 Before this, historic wildfire knowledge comes from examination of tree rings and Native American history.
What percentage of the water supply in Southwest US is supplied by forests?
50% National forests are the single most important source of water in the United States -US Forest Service
What are the two types of wildfires in California?
Coastal Shrub and Forest Fire Coastal Shrub Fires are wind-dominated; forest fires are fuel dominated
Of the TOP 20 DEADLIEST fires in California, how many were human caused?
12 fires or 60% 8 were arson/human started; 4 were downed power lines; 3 were lightning and 3 unknown origin. - CalFire
Of the Top 20 LARGEST fires in California, how many were human caused?
10 fires or 50% 7 were arson/human started; 3 were downed power lines; 8 were lightning and 2 unknown origin. - CalFire
What is one of the greatest threats from wildfires that is seldom discussed?
Catastrophic change in water chemistry/contaminant load Las Vegas, NM is within 30 days of running out of water due after two planned-burn wildfires joined together during extreme weather. The Gallinas River is clogged with ash from monsoonal rain runoff; City s treatment plant is overwhelmed. - Associated Press
Every year, wildfires in California create more greenhouse gas emissions than the state s environmental policies save. -Jonathan Safran Foer
If you are a municipal water supply manager, you are most concerned with what are the highest and lowest amounts of water and sediment that flow into a stream after a wildfire because your water treatment plants and your water storage systems may not be built to accommodate them. -Dr. Mussie Beyene, EPA
