Embedded Files
Addressing three major factors: Climate change and human-caused warming,
encroachment into the wildland urban interface (WUI), and forest fuels build-up exacerbated
by fire suppression and land management practices.
by Iris Brito Stevens
Wildfire devastation -Pine Canyon neighborhood, River Fire, Salinas, CA, Summer of 2020 -Iris Brito Stevens photo
A California summer of unprecedented wildfires.....
A California summer of unprecedented wildfires.....
The summer of 2020 has seen unrelenting wildfires, the first of which were caused by dry lightning strikes and thunderstorms starting in early August, with a number continuing to be active as of this writing, now three months later in October (1). Over 4 million acres have burned in California by more than 8,600 fire incidents (2), according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the agency that is responsible for protecting fires in areas under state responsibility (totaling 31 million acres) as well as the administration of the state's 58 counties via contracts with local governments (3).
The summer of 2020 has seen unrelenting wildfires, the first of which were caused by dry lightning strikes and thunderstorms starting in early August, with a number continuing to be active as of this writing, now three months later in October (1). Over 4 million acres have burned in California by more than 8,600 fire incidents (2), according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the agency that is responsible for protecting fires in areas under state responsibility (totaling 31 million acres) as well as the administration of the state's 58 counties via contracts with local governments (3).
My personal experience with the fires this summer has been one of deep concern for the loss of land in my beautiful home state, as well, for the harm to humans and wildlife, and for the hazardous air quality that kept me and family and many others in communities all over California taking shelter indoors for days, because it was so dangerous to breathe the particulate-filled air (4), during the COVID pandemic no less!
My personal experience with the fires this summer has been one of deep concern for the loss of land in my beautiful home state, as well, for the harm to humans and wildlife, and for the hazardous air quality that kept me and family and many others in communities all over California taking shelter indoors for days, because it was so dangerous to breathe the particulate-filled air (4), during the COVID pandemic no less!
After doing research on the escalation of wildfires in California for my Environmental Sciences course at Dominican University of California, I learned about some of the factors that are seriously contributing to the increases of wildfire occurring in this state such as: climate change and human-caused warming (5), encroachment into the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) (6), and aggressive fire suppression and land management practices (7).
After doing research on the escalation of wildfires in California for my Environmental Sciences course at Dominican University of California, I learned about some of the factors that are seriously contributing to the increases of wildfire occurring in this state such as: climate change and human-caused warming (5), encroachment into the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) (6), and aggressive fire suppression and land management practices (7).
Looking down onto Toro Park residential area and Hwy 68 against the backdrop the Santa Lucia mountains after the River Fire in 2020. Photo-Iris Brito Stevens
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
I traveled down to Salinas, where the River Fire just occurred in August, to explore the damage and see the results of the fire for myself. It's my hometown and I am familiar with the area. The primary location of the fire started above River Road and Hwy 68--areas (neighborhoods) with housing that sits between the road on one side, and abuts the Santa Lucia mountains on the other. Salinas lies within a valley and the mountains look down upon it, and the housing in this case lies in between. My goal was simply to observe and demonstrate what the wildland urban interface (WUI) looks like there. In the foreground (where I'm standing) is the open space; down below is the Toro Park neighborhood just off of Hwy 68, and up towards the other side on the face of the mountain (a bit hard to see) are more homes. WUI is defined by the U.S. Fire Administration as an area "where human-made structures and infrastructure (e.g., cell towers, schools, water supply facilities, etc.) are in or adjacent to areas prone to wildfire." (8)
I traveled down to Salinas, where the River Fire just occurred in August, to explore the damage and see the results of the fire for myself. It's my hometown and I am familiar with the area. The primary location of the fire started above River Road and Hwy 68--areas (neighborhoods) with housing that sits between the road on one side, and abuts the Santa Lucia mountains on the other. Salinas lies within a valley and the mountains look down upon it, and the housing in this case lies in between. My goal was simply to observe and demonstrate what the wildland urban interface (WUI) looks like there. In the foreground (where I'm standing) is the open space; down below is the Toro Park neighborhood just off of Hwy 68, and up towards the other side on the face of the mountain (a bit hard to see) are more homes. WUI is defined by the U.S. Fire Administration as an area "where human-made structures and infrastructure (e.g., cell towers, schools, water supply facilities, etc.) are in or adjacent to areas prone to wildfire." (8)
Toro Park residential area (above) lies within the WUI, where the homes meet the open mountains. In the distance in the photograph, it's easy to see the burned upper parts of the mountain and how close the fire came down to the residential neighborhood. The burn areas also show older growth oak trees (many of which survived), as well as some lower lying brush and in some parts, grasslands. Once the storm began, lightning struck and the fire started working its way down the mountains at a rapid pace due to wind gusts and existing dry conditions–providing dry fuels that helped to feed the fire (9). The total burn area by the time the fire had been 100% contained, according to Cal Fire, is 48,088 acres (10).
Toro Park residential area (above) lies within the WUI, where the homes meet the open mountains. In the distance in the photograph, it's easy to see the burned upper parts of the mountain and how close the fire came down to the residential neighborhood. The burn areas also show older growth oak trees (many of which survived), as well as some lower lying brush and in some parts, grasslands. Once the storm began, lightning struck and the fire started working its way down the mountains at a rapid pace due to wind gusts and existing dry conditions–providing dry fuels that helped to feed the fire (9). The total burn area by the time the fire had been 100% contained, according to Cal Fire, is 48,088 acres (10).
This neighborhood is just off of River Road, named as such because it follows the flow of Salinas' (mostly underground) river, which is the longest underground river in the continental U.S. and the dominant riparian corridor along California’s Central Coast (19). It's also the area near Pine Canyon which was the starting point of the fire. It's apparent just exactly where the Wildland Urban Interface begins, as the intersection between the wild lands and and the human-made structures is clearly visible. Photos-Iris Brito Stevens.
A wider aerial view (below) of the area above Salinas, taken from a screenshot on Wildfire Today (11). It's clear to see where the Pine Canyon residential development has encroached into California woodlands. Notice the locations and proximity of the fires.
Climate Change and Fuels Suppression
Climate Change and Fuels Suppression
Climate change and fuels suppression are also contributing to much larger and more frequent wildfires in California. For decades, historical forest management policies focused on resistance of fires through extensive suppression (12) meaning that firefighters would extinguish virtually every wildfire they could. This led to an immense build-up of fuels which would have been eliminated if small fires were allowed to occur, because smaller fires have benefits; they kill low-lying brush and younger, less fire-adaptive trees and the older fire-resistant trees endure, creating more low-density dry forests (13).
Climate change and fuels suppression are also contributing to much larger and more frequent wildfires in California. For decades, historical forest management policies focused on resistance of fires through extensive suppression (12) meaning that firefighters would extinguish virtually every wildfire they could. This led to an immense build-up of fuels which would have been eliminated if small fires were allowed to occur, because smaller fires have benefits; they kill low-lying brush and younger, less fire-adaptive trees and the older fire-resistant trees endure, creating more low-density dry forests (13).
This is something I witnessed when hiking in the River Fire area recently in Salinas. It was the older oak trees that remained relatively unharmed in the burn areas for as far as the eye could see. I also learned that the native peoples of Salinas, the Ohlone, were responsible for fostering the hills of grasslands, typical of Salinas, through their burning techniques which retarded the growth of brush and protected their tobacco crops. Through careful burning techniques they enhanced and managed their environment (20).
This is something I witnessed when hiking in the River Fire area recently in Salinas. It was the older oak trees that remained relatively unharmed in the burn areas for as far as the eye could see. I also learned that the native peoples of Salinas, the Ohlone, were responsible for fostering the hills of grasslands, typical of Salinas, through their burning techniques which retarded the growth of brush and protected their tobacco crops. Through careful burning techniques they enhanced and managed their environment (20).
The warming planet, with higher average temperatures accompanied by more extreme droughts and winters, is worsening the wildfire trend in California as we are experiencing more ecological system vulnerability with less precipitation and snowmelt and growing drying conditions (14), thus our state will continue to be impacted by negative effects of warming. Considering that greenhouse gas emissions come primarily from human-centric activity (14), humans have a responsibility to reduce these escalating emissions and minimize potential harm to both humans and natural systems.
The warming planet, with higher average temperatures accompanied by more extreme droughts and winters, is worsening the wildfire trend in California as we are experiencing more ecological system vulnerability with less precipitation and snowmelt and growing drying conditions (14), thus our state will continue to be impacted by negative effects of warming. Considering that greenhouse gas emissions come primarily from human-centric activity (14), humans have a responsibility to reduce these escalating emissions and minimize potential harm to both humans and natural systems.
Looking down into the Salinas Valley from the Pine Canyon neighborhood after the River Fire, August 2020. Photos-Iris Brito Stevens.
Images from the Pine Canyon neighborhood: ground zero for the River Fire in Salinas...August 2020 Photos-Iris Brito Stevens
What Can I Do?
What Can I Do?
My research has helped to highlight a number of ways that are needed for change if California's escalating wildfire problem is going to improve. This project has led me to self-reflect about how I am contributing to the harm of the environment, and in return to humans as well. What can I do in my own daily life to make changes that will matter? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation (15). https://www.epa.gov/
My research has helped to highlight a number of ways that are needed for change if California's escalating wildfire problem is going to improve. This project has led me to self-reflect about how I am contributing to the harm of the environment, and in return to humans as well. What can I do in my own daily life to make changes that will matter? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation (15). https://www.epa.gov/
I am committed in three ways to personally reduce my carbon footprint.
I am committed in three ways to personally reduce my carbon footprint.
First, as my home is currently under full renovation, my husband and I have decided we want the efficiency of LED light bulbs throughout the property, both indoors and outdoors, as this reduces overall energy consumption and in the process, reduces the number of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, thereby reducing global warming (16).
First, as my home is currently under full renovation, my husband and I have decided we want the efficiency of LED light bulbs throughout the property, both indoors and outdoors, as this reduces overall energy consumption and in the process, reduces the number of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, thereby reducing global warming (16).
Second, we live in sunny San Rafael, in Marin County and our home is south facing which makes it even more fitting to install a Solar power system. This is clean pure energy from the sun and would help to combat greenhouse gas emissions by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It also saves money by eliminating or reducing energy bills and also through tax credits and rebates (17).
Second, we live in sunny San Rafael, in Marin County and our home is south facing which makes it even more fitting to install a Solar power system. This is clean pure energy from the sun and would help to combat greenhouse gas emissions by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It also saves money by eliminating or reducing energy bills and also through tax credits and rebates (17).
Third, we will commit to switching to an electric vehicle within the next two years (by 2022) because plug-in electric vehicles (EV's) can reduce gas emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, and also save money (18).
Third, we will commit to switching to an electric vehicle within the next two years (by 2022) because plug-in electric vehicles (EV's) can reduce gas emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, and also save money (18).
One more action for the time being...I will determine my carbon footprint using the EPA carbon footprint calculator. My goal is to find three more things I can do to reduce my footprint and encourage three more people to do the same!
One more action for the time being...I will determine my carbon footprint using the EPA carbon footprint calculator. My goal is to find three more things I can do to reduce my footprint and encourage three more people to do the same!
Installing LED lights and a sprinkler system. Reusing some of the old redwood planks from the demolition phase.
This is our south facing backyard. Once the renovation is complete we will be solar ready. Projected electricity offset is 100%.
Adapting land management techniques to allow for smaller more prescribed fires in the reduction of forest fuels, will mean many things in WUI communities...less loss of homes–a problem which is escalating now in California, and less health risks as we experienced recently due to hazardous particulate-filled air and skies. As the climate warms and wildfires in California increase, reducing the use of fossil fuels is paramount.
Adapting land management techniques to allow for smaller more prescribed fires in the reduction of forest fuels, will mean many things in WUI communities...less loss of homes–a problem which is escalating now in California, and less health risks as we experienced recently due to hazardous particulate-filled air and skies. As the climate warms and wildfires in California increase, reducing the use of fossil fuels is paramount.
We must focus our efforts on slowing down the pace of warming by taking personal responsibility and changing the way we utilize heat, electricity and transportation. Embracing not only policies but attitudes that accept fire as a part of our future helps to make communities and fire-prone ecosystems more adaptive and resilient, which will help to minimize wildfire risks in the future.
We must focus our efforts on slowing down the pace of warming by taking personal responsibility and changing the way we utilize heat, electricity and transportation. Embracing not only policies but attitudes that accept fire as a part of our future helps to make communities and fire-prone ecosystems more adaptive and resilient, which will help to minimize wildfire risks in the future.
Salinas Grasslands, Goat Hill, Toro Park. Photo-Iris Brito Stevens
Published by Iris Brito StevensAll images © 2020 Iris Brito Stevens. All rights reserved.
Special thanks to my cousin, Richard Long, for his help (and direction) in mapping out the fire areas in Salinas on one of my visits.
Gratitude to my husband Rich Stevens for accompanying me and assisting along the way.
Works Cited
(1) Szydlowski, J. (2020, August 18). Here’s how a freak storm ignited, and then inflamed, the River Fire in Monterey County. The Californian. https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/08/18/how-freak-storm-ignited-supercharged-river-fire-wildfire-monterey-county-california/3386744001/
(2) 2020 Statewide Fire Summary | Welcome to CAL FIRE. Welcome to CAL FIRE, 2020, https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/.
(3) “Cal Fire, Fire and Emergency Response.” Fire.ca.Gov, Dec. 2016, https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/4932/fireandemergencyresponse.pdf.
(4) Carlson, A. (2020, September 23). 1 In 7 Americans Have Experienced Dangerous Air Quality Due To Wildfires This Year. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2020/09/23/915723316/1-in-7-americans-have-experienced-dangerous-air-quality-due-to-wildfires-this-year
(5) Overpeck, J.T, Udall, B., (2009, June 30). Climate change and the aridification of North America.PNAS-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of America. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2006323117
(6) Schoennagel, T., Nelson, C.R., Theobald, D.M., Carnwath, G.C., and Chapman, T.B. (2009, June 30). Implementation of National Fire Plan treatments near the wildland–urban interface in the western United States. PNAS-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of America. June 30, 2009 https://www.pnas.org/content/106/26/10706
(7) Schoennagel, T., Balch, J.K., Brenkert-Smith, H., Dennison, P.E., Harvey, B.J., Krawchuk, M.A., Mietkiewicz, N. (2017, May 2). Adapt to more wildfire in western North American forests as climate changes. PNAS-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of America. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1617464114
(8) Before, during and after a wildland urban interface fire. (n.d.). U.S. Fire Administration. Retrieved October 25, 2020, from https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/wui_awareness_month.html
(9) Szydlowski, J. (2020b, August 18). Here’s how a freak storm ignited, and then inflamed, the River Fire in Monterey County. TheCalifornian.com . https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/08/18/how-freak-storm-ignited-supercharged-river-fire-wildfire-monterey-county-california/3386744001/
(10) 2020 Statewide Fire Summary | Welcome to CAL FIRE. (2020). Welcome to CAL FIRE. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/
(11) Gabbert, B. (2020, August 16). River Fire prompts evacuations south of Salinas, California.
Wildfire Today - News and Opinion about Wildland Fire. https://wildfiretoday.com/s=river+fire+&monthnum=&year=&states_provinces=&countries=&topics=
(12) Bland, A. (2018, August 21). The Social Costs of Living in Wildfire-Prone Areas . https://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/the-social-costs-of-living-in-wildfire-prone-areas/Content?oid=19389439&showFullText=true
(13) Schoennagel, T., Balch, J.K., Brenkert-Smith, H., Dennison, P.E., Harvey, B.J., Krawchuk, M.A., Mietkiewicz, N. (2017, May 2). Adapt to more wildfire in western North American forests as climate changes. PNAS-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of America. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1617464114
(14) Overpeck, J.T, Udall, B., (2009, June 30). Climate change and the aridification of North America PNAS-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of America. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2006323117
(15) Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions | US EPA. (2015, December 29). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions
(16) Holoka,T. (2017). Top four benefits of installing solar panels on your home | U.S. Green Building Council. USGBC | U.S. Green Building Council. https://www.usgbc.org/articles/top-four-benefits-installing-solar-panels-your-home
(17) Benefits of Residential Solar Electricity | Department of Energy. (n.d.-a). Energy.Gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/benefits-residential-solar-electricity
(18) Electric Vehicle Benefits | Department of Energy. (n.d.). Energy.Gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicle-benefits
(19) The Salinas River Watershed | RCD Of Monterey County. (n.d.). Resource Conservation District of Monterey County. Retrieved November 3, 2020, from https://www.rcdmonterey.org/salinas-river
(20) Breschini, G. S., Haversat, T., & Gudgel, M. (2000a). 10,000 Years on the Salinas Plain. Heritage Publishing Company.
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