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# Wildfires

## Water quality after a wildfire

### Wildfires increase susceptibility of watersheds to both flooding and erosion, impairing water supplies.

Read about the science

## Understanding the impacts of wildfire

### A wall of fire in Southern California in a scene from the USGS film "Living with Fire."

Watch Living with Fire

## The aftermath of wildfire

### Wildfires reduce the forest canopy, exposing snowpack to direct sunlight. This increases the rate of snowmelt and evaporation, impacting runoff and groundwater replenishment.

Explore wildfire data

## Science for post-wildfire restoration

### Scientists develop a strategic framework for forest restoration activities associated with the ongoing wildfires and other contributors.

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Wildfires can compromise water quality both during active burning and for months and years after the fire has been extinguished. Burned watersheds are prone to increased flooding and erosion, which can negatively affect water-supply reservoirs, water quality, and drinking-water treatment processes. 

Hydrologic extremes in California

### Wildfires in California

Using climate model scenarios, the USGS California Water Science center is working with various partners to better understand and assess the relationship between climate and wildfire in California. This research is part of wider efforts to develop real-time fire risk maps for California based on climatic stresses.

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### Wildfire Information Resources

                        - California Wildfire Map
                        - Wildfires and the U.S. Water Supply

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January 10, 2024

####                 Culturally Prescribed Fire              

California Water Science Center

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January 10, 2024

####   Culturally Prescribed Fire

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October 25, 2023

####                 Wildfires in California              

California Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

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October 25, 2023

####   Wildfires in California

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May 18, 2022

####                 Monitoring and modeling soil moisture to improve runoff forecasting and drought characterization in the Feather River Basin              

California Water Science Center, National Innovation Center

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May 18, 2022

####   Monitoring and modeling soil moisture to improve runoff forecasting and drought characterization in the Feather River Basin

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February 16, 2021

####                 Scotts Creek Nutrient Erosion Study, Lake County, California              

California Water Science Center

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February 16, 2021

####   Scotts Creek Nutrient Erosion Study, Lake County, California

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June 9, 2020

####                 Effects of Wildfire and Fire Retardants on Nutrient Transport in California Watersheds              

California Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

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June 9, 2020

####   Effects of Wildfire and Fire Retardants on Nutrient Transport in California Watersheds

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June 17, 2019

####                 Researching Climate Conditions for CAL FIRE Wildfire Restoration Efforts              

California Water Science Center

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June 17, 2019

####   Researching Climate Conditions for CAL FIRE Wildfire Restoration Efforts

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June 11, 2019

####                 Characterizing the Influence of Fire on Hydrology in Southern California              

California Water Science Center

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June 11, 2019

####   Characterizing the Influence of Fire on Hydrology in Southern California

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October 29, 2018

####                 Monitoring the Impacts of the Rim Fire on Tuolumne River Water Quality              

California Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

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October 29, 2018

####   Monitoring the Impacts of the Rim Fire on Tuolumne River Water Quality

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June 5, 2018

####                 Post-Fire Flooding and Debris Flow              

California Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

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June 5, 2018

####   Post-Fire Flooding and Debris Flow

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June 5, 2018

####                 Water Quality after a Wildfire              

California Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

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June 5, 2018

####   Water Quality after a Wildfire

Learn More

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March 28, 2018

####                 Wildfire Effect on Mercury Levels in Putah and Cache Creek Watersheds              

California Water Science Center

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March 28, 2018

####   Wildfire Effect on Mercury Levels in Putah and Cache Creek Watersheds

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