Wildfires are fires, started by natural causes or human activities, that burn large areas of vegetated land.
Lingering firefighting chemicals left in the soil after a fire can degrade water quality.
Following a wildfire, large amounts of sediment and organic matter (e.g., ash and dead plant matter) may be introduced into waterways. Soil no longer held in place by vegetation and tree roots also washes into streams.
When a fire removes all vegetation and trees from a large area, rainfall and snowmelt flows off the land at a much quicker rate. This causes stream bank erosion and increases sediment loading, and can sometimes result in flooding.
The heat from a fire can damage the soil structure, making it easier for erosion to occur.
When a fire burns vegetation, and heavy metals and nutrients are exposed and washed into streams, the pH and other chemical properties of the water can be changed.
Be very careful with campfires and backyard fires to ensure they do not spread.
During a fire-ban, respect all regulations.
Make sure to report any signs of wildfires you see.
Obey area-specific signs posted by local fire and rescue operations.
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