Post Fire Preparedness & Resources
The District has gathered a list of post-fire resources for its residents. Please review the information and links to resources through out the San Lorenzo Valley.
Erosion Preparedness and Information
Following a fire, the loss of canopy and ground cover, along with changes in soil physical characteristics, leaves landscapes susceptible to the forces of erosion: gravity, running water, and wind. Fire increases erosion in the short term, but predicting the amount of post-fire erosion depends on a complex combination of site conditions, fire characteristics, and rainfall patterns.
CZU Lightning Complex Final WERT Report
CZU LIGHTNING COMPLEX FIRE – WERT ASSESMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CA-CZU-005205 WERT Evaluation
Mission Statement: The California Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) helps communities prepare after wildfire by rapidly documenting and communicating post-fire risks to life and property posed by debris flow, flood, and rockfall hazards.- USGS Post-Fire Debris Flow Map
This map identifies the principal areas in the region that are likely to produce debris flows, which are also called "mudslides." Debris flows that occur in the bay region are fast-moving downslope flows of mud that may include rocks, vegetation, and other debris. These flows begin during intense rainfall as shallow landslides on steep slopes. The rapid movement and sudden arrival of debris flows pose a hazard to life and property during and immediately following the triggering rainfall.
The map displays estimates of the likelihood of debris flow (in %), potential volume of debris flow (in m3), and combined relative debris flow hazard. These predictions are made at the scale of the drainage basin, and at the scale of the individual stream segment. To review the map and to view how these predictions are calculated view the USGS Webpage here.
Post wildfire flash flooding and debris flows are a realistic threat in or around homes and communities located within or along a wildland urban interface that has experienced a recent wildfire. It is crucial to plan and prepare for this type of hazard to prevent and reduce the loss of life and property, and to develop community resilience. The National Weather Service Office in Oxnard, CA has prepared this comprehensive guide in a user-friendly manner with step-by-step guidance on what to do before, during, and after floods that could potentially follow recent wildfires. See the full guide here.
The CNPS Fire Recovery Guide addresses that question in an easy-to-use booklet. The new statewide guide is a collaborative effort between CNPS, dozens of partner organizations, and scientists across the state.
The “new normal” of intense fire seasons requires us to be informed and aware of how fires start, how they spread, and what to do to care for our land and the biodiversity we steward. This guide will help anyone who wants to make their property and their communities safer and more resilient. See full guide here.
Working closely with our federal partner, the UDSA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the RCD is offering post-fire recovery assistance to the community. These services include on-site technical and planning help to assess post-fire land conditions and recommend appropriate actions related to natural resources. Visit their site to fill out the request form here.
The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County is also offering a free webinar series (all recordings will be posted after the live session). This FREE online series will provide residents with an understanding of the short and long-term effects of wildfire on the landscape and best practices for aiding the recovery process. We have brought together professionals in erosion and sediments control, post-fire recovery, civil engineering, hydrology, water quality and fisheries. We expect to add several more topics in the coming weeks. Please see the information below with a link to each presentation (all recordings will be posted after the live webinar is completed). REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Post-Fire Restoration: What works
& what’s a waste of time
Saturday, September 12 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (PAST)
Rich Casale, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control
and Post Fire Restoration Specialist, Retired NRCS
Understanding Forest Regeneration
& Hazard Tree Management
Tuesday, September 15 - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (PAST)
Steve Auten, Registered Professional Forester,
ARC – Auten Resource Consulting
Managing Drainage & Erosion on
Private Property & Roads After Fire
Saturday, September 19 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (PAST)
Matt Weld, Register Professional Engineer, CFM & CPESC,
Waterways Consulting Inc.
Preparing for Post-Fire Changes
Along Streams & Waterways
Tuesday, September 22 - 6:00 pM to 7:00 pm (Posting pending)
Kristen Kittleson, Fisheries Resource Planner,
County of Santa Cruz