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red flag warning
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning

Red flag warnings are issued when weather conditions become hot, dry, and windy. These conditions are ideal for wildfires to start or grow.

Red flag warnings are issued when weather conditions become hot, dry, and windy. These conditions are ideal for wildfires to start or grow.

fire danger forecast
fireForecast.jpg
fireForecast.jpg
fireForecast.jpg

Fire Danger Forecast Viewer

3 Fire-related Maps

  • Wildfire Potential
  • Probability of Large Fire
  • Probability of Fire Spread

Fire Danger Forecast Viewer

3 Fire-related Maps

  • Wildfire Potential
  • Probability of Large Fire
  • Probability of Fire Spread
fire triangles
Multi-scale fire triangle: Fire growth and complexity (Simplified)
Multi-scale fire triangle: Fire growth and complexity (Simplified)
Multi-scale fire triangle: Fire growth and complexity (Simplified)

There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.

There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.

miguel villarreal
Meet a Fire Scientist: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.
Meet a Fire Scientist: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.
Meet a Fire Scientist: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.

MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.

I study how wildfires affect landscapes and determine ways we can reduce community risk and help the environment recover after a fire.

MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.

I study how wildfires affect landscapes and determine ways we can reduce community risk and help the environment recover after a fire.

postfire debris flows
Postfire debris flows
Postfire debris flows
Postfire debris flows

Fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows triggered by intense rainfall are one of the most dangerous post-fire hazards. The risk of floods and debris flows after fires increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. Cases of sudden and deadly debris flow are well documented along the western United States, particularly in Southern California.

Fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows triggered by intense rainfall are one of the most dangerous post-fire hazards. The risk of floods and debris flows after fires increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. Cases of sudden and deadly debris flow are well documented along the western United States, particularly in Southern California.

multi-scale fire triangle
Multi-scale fire triangle: Fire growth and complexity
Multi-scale fire triangle: Fire growth and complexity
Multi-scale fire triangle: Fire growth and complexity

There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.

There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.

Videos

La encrucijada del fuego silvestre
La encrucijada del fuego silvestre
La encrucijada del fuego silvestre

La relación entre la gente y los incendios forestales siempre ha sido paradójica: el fuego es esencial como proceso ecológico y herramienta de gestión, pero también puede ser perjudicial para la vida y la propiedad.

La relación entre la gente y los incendios forestales siempre ha sido paradójica: el fuego es esencial como proceso ecológico y herramienta de gestión, pero también puede ser perjudicial para la vida y la propiedad.

Wildfire at the Crossroads
Wildfire at the Crossroads
Wildfire at the Crossroads

The relationship between people and wildfire has always been paradoxical: fire is an essential ecological process and management tool but can also be detrimental to life and property. Consequently, fire regimes have been modified throughout history through both intentional burning to promote benefits and active suppression to reduce risks.

The relationship between people and wildfire has always been paradoxical: fire is an essential ecological process and management tool but can also be detrimental to life and property. Consequently, fire regimes have been modified throughout history through both intentional burning to promote benefits and active suppression to reduce risks.

I Am A...Fire Ecologist
I Am A...Fire Ecologist
I Am A...Fire Ecologist

Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the third video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers.

Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the third video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers.

Post-wildfire Flood and Debris Flow: 2014 Silverado Fire
Post-wildfire Flood and Debris Flow: 2014 Silverado Fire
Post-wildfire Flood and Debris Flow: 2014 Silverado Fire

In 2014, the Silverado Fire burned approximately 4 km^2 in Orange County, California. After the fire, the USGS installed an automated rain-triggered camera to monitor post-wildfire flooding and debris flow at the outlet of a small 0.6 km^2 basin within the burn area.

In 2014, the Silverado Fire burned approximately 4 km^2 in Orange County, California. After the fire, the USGS installed an automated rain-triggered camera to monitor post-wildfire flooding and debris flow at the outlet of a small 0.6 km^2 basin within the burn area.

Living with Fire: Wildlife & Wildfires
Living with Fire: Wildlife & Wildfires
Living with Fire: Wildlife & Wildfires

Southern California's fire ecology is unlike that of anywhere else in the United States. Fire control strategies developed for mountain forests don't have the same results here. So can science help uncover new answers to help Southern California communities manage and live with wildfires?

Southern California's fire ecology is unlike that of anywhere else in the United States. Fire control strategies developed for mountain forests don't have the same results here. So can science help uncover new answers to help Southern California communities manage and live with wildfires?

Living with Fire: Fire Decision Model
Living with Fire: Fire Decision Model
Living with Fire: Fire Decision Model

Southern California's fire ecology is unlike that of anywhere else in the United States. Fire control strategies developed for mountain forests don't have the same results here. So can science help uncover new answers to help Southern California communities manage and live with wildfires?

Southern California's fire ecology is unlike that of anywhere else in the United States. Fire control strategies developed for mountain forests don't have the same results here. So can science help uncover new answers to help Southern California communities manage and live with wildfires?

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