The most damaging effect of a wildfire to your land is soil erosion. Erosion takes away the ability of the land to keep its soil and grow healthy trees. In a healthy forest, the forest canopy catches falling raindrops and keeps them from hitting soil. Any raindrops which are not caught are absorbed by the litter layer, a non-living layer over the soil that keeps it from running down slopes into water bodies and aquatic habitats. If you have forest land that has been burned, you are at risk for soil erosion if:
· The soil is highly erodible
· The area has steep slopes
· The forest canopy has been burned, which reduces the interception of rainfall.
· The litter layer has been burned and bare soil is exposed.
· Rainfall occurs quickly in a short period of time
· The fire was of high intensity, consuming organic matter in soil and creating a waxy coating that prevents the ability of soil to absorb water.
· There are many measures you can take to protect your land.
During times of wildfire disaster, the County of San Diego may offer residents of unincorporated areas free soil erosion control devices as well as expert advice on installation and use of these devices. After a wildfire, these devices become available at Department of Public Works road stations and Local Assistance Centers.
For more information about erosion control contact...
San Diego County Department of Public Works
Information about erosion control measures
Website:http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/docs/fire/homeerosion.pdf
Hotline: 1-888-846-0800
Homeowner's Guide for Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control After Fires, http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/docs/fire/AfterFire.pdf
