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.
Multimedia
Images
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.
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.
Wildfire Stats
USGS fire science informs land, water, and emergency management decisions. Each year tens of thousands of wildfires cause billions of dollars of damage.
USGS fire science informs land, water, and emergency management decisions. Each year tens of thousands of wildfires cause billions of dollars of damage.
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.
How Hot Are Wildfires?
How hot do wildfires get?
- 570 F degrees - TEMPERATURE AT WHICH WOOD WILL BURST INTO FLAMES
- 2,200 F degrees - TEMPERATURE WILDFIRES COULD REACH IN EXTREME CONDITIONS
How hot do wildfires get?
- 570 F degrees - TEMPERATURE AT WHICH WOOD WILL BURST INTO FLAMES
- 2,200 F degrees - TEMPERATURE WILDFIRES COULD REACH IN EXTREME CONDITIONS
Meet a Fire Scientist: Rachel A. Loehman
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Rachel A Loehman, Ph.D.
I study the complexities between people and nature, particularly the impacts of wildfires on landscapes, habitats, and natural resources
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Rachel A Loehman, Ph.D.
I study the complexities between people and nature, particularly the impacts of wildfires on landscapes, habitats, and natural resources
Videos
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
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
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
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
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
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?