After the smoke clears, a wildfire’s legacy can haunt rivers for years, putting drinking water at risk
Scientists analyzed water quality in 145 watersheds after wildfires and found dramatic spikes in contaminants.
June 23, 2025 • ~8 min
Scientists analyzed water quality in 145 watersheds after wildfires and found dramatic spikes in contaminants.
Hedges and trees may actually reduce home exposure to radiant heat and flying embers, but they must be well maintained. Two scientists who study how plants burn explain.
Park and forest managers can’t rely on the past any longer to understand future risks. Fires, pests and climate change are changing the game.
Uncertainty from Washington along with staff and budget cuts have created turmoil for the US Forest Service’s fire management efforts.
It starts with better building policies that recognize future risks, but there are many other important steps.
FEMA pools national resources to help states quickly manage disasters. Without that federal support, each state would be left to build its own expensive response capabilities.
Fire spotters used to watch with binoculars from forest towers. Now, technology can help forecast fire behavior, but human experience is still essential.
Rain on land burned by a series of devastating fires in the Los Angeles area has the potential to contribute to flooding and debris flows.
In the Los Angeles area, the potential for rain on land burned by a series of devastating fires has people on edge.
Humans have become a geologic force by cooking the planet – using fire on a scale that is altering land, water, air and ecosystems.
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