RECENT RAINS ARE GOOD NEWS FOR MANY– SCARY NEWS FOR OTHERS
While the recent rains are welcomed by most in Southern California, for those in or near burn areas residents are doing all they can to protect their homes and property from devastating mudslides and other dangers resulting from heavy rains. Evacuations have been recommended in very high-risk areas. As storm after storm rolls into Southern California, burn areas represent an ever increasing risk.
BURN AREA DANGER
Heavy rains can produce powerful flash floods, mudslides & debris flows over burned areas with the potential to destroy dwellings, bury vehicles, and threaten lives.
FIRE IMPACT ON SOIL
Water repellent soils form when organic material such as trees, shrubs, and plants burn at high intensity causing water repellent compounds to vaporized and condense on cooler soil layers below the surface, preventing the soil from absorbing water after a fire.
During heavy rains, water cannot penetrate compacted water resistant soil layers so water flows on the surface and down slopes often resulting in dangerous flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides.
VEGETATION IS IMPORTANT
Burn areas left scarred from last season, even last year may not have had enough time to properly revegetate leaving them vulnerable until new growth can achieve a deeper, stronger root system that can provide stability and absorb rainfall, minimizing soil surface water flow and soil instability.
SHORT TERM SOLUTIONS
Sand bags, straw wattles, and other barriers can be deployed to minimize destruction in the short term. While some municipalities may offer limited assistance, a contractor like Canyon Hydroseeding will likely offer more options and have more resources available to dedicate to your property.
LONG TERM SOLUTIONS
Long term, a carefully developed revegetation plan should be put into place, one that includes the right combination of vegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion control techniques specific to the terrain and microclimate of the property.
HELPFUL BURN AREA PLANNING TOOLS
Click here to read a well thought out guide offering good advice for burn area revegetation including information about fire resistant plants that help minimize soil instability and provides good erosion control for fire prone areas specific to Southern Calfornia.
2017 FIRE FORECAST FOR SOCAL
Click here to read what National Weather Service experts are projecting in the coming year relative to fire activity in our region.
CALL CANYON HYDROSEEDING IF YOU NEED HELP
We have been helping property owners in Southern California for decades. You can reach us at (951) 680-1949