Coastal sage scrub, however, may re-burn after only a few years, before shrubs have become large enough to survive another fire. Such a conversion can be seen over large areas of the San Jacinto basin in western Riverside County. Next to development, fire is likely to emerge as the greatest threat to coastal sage scrub. Adaptations for recovery after fire are not limited to chaparral species. Even species that may burn less often, such as trees in riparian areas, are able to recover from fires.
Coast live oak trees have very thick bark and are extremely resilient.
Even trees that have been severely burned are usually able to resprout from their crowns. Sycamore, willow, and cottonwood trees resprout vigorously from their roots. Hawks, ravens, and vultures congregate to feed on animals that were burned in the fire. In a fast-moving fire, rabbits, woodrats, and other animals may become confused and run into the flames. At the Viejas fire, we noted several birds that were killed or injured, including a Golden-crowned Sparrow and a Wrentit.