Wildfire Wednesday #16 - Backyard Science Webinar Series - Business Resiliency to Wildfire

Hello Fireshed

It’s the blog’s sweet sixteen today and at least in some parts of the state we’re finally getting some relief from the heat this week with some (hopefully monsoonal?!) storms. If the storms do strengthen and turn into monsoons we may be in for a reprieve from fire season, which will make a wonderful birthday present for this blog! If monsoons are coming this week or a month from now, we’ll welcome the change in the season, and a transition to work on different aspects of fire adaptation, because unlike a monsoon storm, adaptation to fire doesn’t happen all at once, but bit by bit!

Best, Sam

This week we have:

• Bachechi Open Space Webinar – Living and Adapting with Fire, presented by your blog writer, Gabe Kohler of the Forest Stewards Guild

• Business Resilience and Wildfire – read more about preparations for business resilience in the face of wildfire

Living and Adapting with Fire - Back Yard Science Series Webinar

presented by Bachechi Open Space

Tune into the Backyard Science Series this Saturday, July 18th, at 2:00 pm for a webinar titled Living and Adapting with Fire. This talk will feature an introduction to the fire ecology of various forested systems (bosque and mountain areas) that are common to northern New Mexico. Explore what it means for landscapes and houses to be fire-adapted. Understand the ways communities can learn to live safely within areas where fire can run wild. Presenter, Gabe Kohler, is a program coordinator with The Forest Stewards Guild that works on increasing engagement with Fire Adapted Communities New Mexico (FACNM).

To check out the talk this Saturday, visit https://www.facebook.com/BachechiOpenSpace/

Business Resilience and Wildfire

Living in a fire-adapted community means many things, but what does it mean for businesses and local economy? Wildfires pose a serious threat to a community’s continuity, and can have devastating effects on the small businesses that depend on it. As we know all to well with the current crisis, business resiliency and risk mitigation strategies help to defend communities from losses, and are especially important for small businesses as they experience the most risk due to wildfires. With the current increasing frequency and severity of wildfires across the region, people are coming together to collaborate and create strategies to keep businesses open in light of fires. In May of 2019, the Island Park Sustainable Fire Community in Idaho held a workshop to tackle this challenge; check out the link below! There may be some lessons for the current crisis here too.

https://fireadaptednetwork.org/business-resilience-round-up-fire-adaptation/

Wildfire Wednesdays #15 - Homeowner Mitigation Webinar - Invasives and Fire - Common Ground

Hi Fireshed Members,

The goal of our first Wildfire Wednesday newsletter was to provide curated resources to New Mexicans despite social distance. We have seen positive strides toward this goal. Thank you all for continuing to help grow this network and to share this information with your friends and loved ones. We are truly stronger together.

This edition of Wildfire Wednesday includes:

• A webinar by Sarah McCaffrey focused on what motivates homeowners to mitigate fire risk

• A look into the connection between invasive species and fire ecology

• An article describing how increasing wildfire risk is agreed upon across political lines

• Upcoming webinar tomorrow on wildfire response and recovery

Sincerely,

Gabe

What Motivates Homeowners to Mitigate Wildfire Risk?

USFS Research Social Scientist, Sarah McCaffrey

If you watch one webinar recording about wildfire preparedness this year make it last week’s keynote address from The Bill Lane Center for the American West, where Sarah McCaffrey takes an informed look at how landowners respond to outreach for wildfire mitigation. This webinar looks past “the imagined public” and uses rigorous social science methods to investigate what actually motivates homeowners to mitigate wildfire risk.

To view the webinar recording and learn how to improve your outreach to homeowners, click here.

Invasive Species and Fire Risk

A wildfire moves through tamarisk (salt cedar).

Fire ecology investigates the complex strategies of flora and fauna employ to survive wildfire. We commonly think of ponderosa pine trees that grow thick bark to resist the impacts of fire. A deeper look though shows that these trees not only just survive fire but also perpetuate more fire by dropping flammable needles that allows fire to spread.

In contrast other species like Cottonwoods that grow along rivers or sage brush on plateaus have different less harmonious relationships with fire. In these areas fires occurred much less frequently for many reasons but in part because the leaves that drop from sage and cottonwoods are less flammable than ponderosa needles.  

Cheatgrass is an invasive species that often out competes native species and is highly flammable.

Now invasive species have changed this equation. In the case of sage ecosystems, cheatgrass has moved in. Cheatgrass is very flammable and will quickly recolonize an area after a fire, long before sage has a chance to reestablish. There is a similar story occurring in our bosques where invasive species such as salt cedar (tamarisk) and Russian olive trees that are very flammable have invaded areas, and changed the fire ecology by adding fuel to the system, leading to fires that cottonwoods are often unprepared for.

In both cases there are diligent restoration efforts occurring across the US to restore these ecosystems. However, make sure to take a look right around your home or property too. Just as these flammable invasive plants threaten our iconic sage flats and cottonwood galleries, they also are a wildfire threat near your home.

Fire Science Brief: Pentimento: Fuels Reduction and Restoration in the Bosque of the Middle Rio Grande

Cheat grass advice from Waterwise LLC in Santa Fe

Attacking Invasive Cheatgrass at Its Root

Fighting Fire with Native Plants

The 2017 Eagle Creek Wildfire in The Columbia River Gorge

Common Ground: Agreement on Increasing Wildfire Risk Crosses Political Lines

A recent article from the Blue Mountain ecoregion in Northeastern Oregon provides useful insight into how political views may create a stumbling block for forest and fire management and suggests alternative ways of communicating the need for wildfire mitigation.

Despite overwhelming scientific and experiential data, climate change remains a divisive factor in forest and fire management. Beliefs about climate change are found to be strongly linked to a person’s political leanings. However, beliefs about future wildfire risks were found to be largely independent of political beliefs and people accurately agree about the rising frequency of large wildfires and expect this trend to continue. This finding presents an opportunity to engage diverse stakeholders in developing policies to mitigate increasing wildfire risk without invoking politicized beliefs about climate change.

To learn more about these findings, click here.

Tomorrow: Virtual Wildfire Series: Webinar on Response and Recovery

Jul 9, 2020 03:30 PM

The Bill Lane Center for the American West is hosting a panel discussion on the human dimensions of wildfire response and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our panelists Luke Beckman from the Red Cross, Alma Bowen from Nuestra Comunidad, and Charles Brooks from the Rebuild Paradise Foundation will discuss the challenges and best practices for evacuations, shelters, planning and coordination, and recovery efforts in our new reality.

https://west.stanford.edu/events/virtual-wildfire-series-response-and-recovery

Wildfire Wednesdays #14 - Fire Prevention - Smoke Resources - Hummingbirds and Fire

Hi Fireshed Members,

With The Fourth of July this weekend, many people are excited to get out of their homes and recreate outdoors. I know I am. This is not a typical year -- fire danger and the risk of covid-19 remain high. Fireworks, campfires, and large groups put American lives at risk this Fourth of July. We support you in encouraging your friends and families to find alternative ways to celebrate The Fourth this year.

This edition of Wildfire Wednesday includes:

• Fire prevention messages that you can share on social media to encourage your friends and family to recreate responsibility this year.

• An introduction to the smoke resources page on The Fireshed Coalition webpage

• An article that looks at the connection between hummingbirds and wildfire in fire adapted landscapes

Stay safe,

Gabe

Please Help us Prevent Wildfire! Use these social media posts!

Please help prevent wildfire by sharing these messages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or over email. If this simple step prevents one wildfire, it could save lives and will help keep our first responders safe during the 2020 fire season. Just add the flyer as a photo and use our suggested caption, or create one of your own. Then, like and follow the FACNM Facebook page so we can see your post!

Recreate Safely

Click Here to Download this Flyer!

Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: We all need your help to prevent wildfires this summer. The statewide average of human-caused wildfires in New Mexico is 48% of all wildfires and most of these fires can be prevented. Don’t drag chains, check spark arrestors on vehicles and equipment and for information about preventing wildfires over The Fourth of July weekend, visit https://nmfireinfo.com/   Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm

Know Before You Go

Click Here to Download this Flyer!

Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Know Before You Go! Before you make plans to have any smores over the campfire check for current fire restrictions.  Campfires and fireworks are not allowed on most public and private land throughout New Mexico. For more information, call the Fire Restrictions Hotline: 1-877-864-6985 or visit https://firerestrictions.us/nm/ 

Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm 

Do Your Part, Don’t Let A Wildfire Start

Click Here to Download this Flyer!

Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Firefighters and first responders are needed more than ever to keep America safe . Prevent wildfires by following fire restrictions, postponing debris burning, and using campfire alternatives.  

Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm 

Protecting yourself from Smoke during COVID

Smoke preparedness to protect you and your family has taken on a new importance with the compounding impacts of the respiratory illness from the coronavirus pandemic. Although not wildfire smoke specific, recent scientific studies from Italy and the UK (Conticini et al., 2020 & Travaglio et al., 2020) suggest that air pollutant exposure worsens COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes. This research is part of the reason why land managers have adjusted their tactics this year to try and limit smoke impacts on communities as much as possible. (see our interview with an FMO for more)

However, even with fire fighters doing their best, it is impossible to avoid smoke impacts from wildfires. If you are predisposed to respiratory ailments the best thing to do is prepare ahead of time, by monitoring smoke forecasts from www.airnov.gov and setting up a clean air room in your home to escape the effects of smoke. To do this, prevent smoke from entering and filter the air if possible. 

This page from the CDC captures some FAQs about wildfire smoke and the corona virus outbreak. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: FAQs

If you are thinking about setting up a Cleaner Air Shelter for your community the CDC has also released guidance: COVID-19 and Wildfire Smoke Cleaner Air Spaces

For much more information on how to prepare for smoke please visit our website. There we have information about protecting yourself from smoke, selecting an air cleaner, and more: Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition Smoke Resources

The Forest Stewards Guild is also now restarting out HEPA Air Cleaner Loan Program in some locations with new policies to limit the spread of COVID-19: Santa Fe Fireshed Air Cleaner Loan Program 

Hummingbirds and Wildfire

Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved birds to observe; whether you are an avid bird watcher, a professional ornithologist, or simply a nature lover, these beautiful birds spark joy for all. As residents of fire-adapted ecosystems, you might wonder how our colorful friends fare with wildfire. The Forest Service released a literature review this year that summarizes the studied effects of fire on species of hummingbirds throughout the United States (see link below). In their paper, Alexander and associates found that most species of hummingbirds respond positively to fire, and that many hummingbird species show higher abundance in burned forests compared with unburned areas. In their review, Alexander et al. remark that while unnaturally severe fires pose serious risks, the positive benefits these hummingbird species are receiving from less severe fires are likely connected with the health of local fire-adapted plant and insect populations. Turns out, hummingbirds are among a wealthy community of fire-adapted organisms that benefit from natural, historically consistent fire.

To read more, click here!

Upcoming Webinars

Wildfire Series: Response and Recovery

The Human Dimensions of Wildfires

Thursday, July 9, 2020 - 2:30pm

Register for the Zoom Webinar

Join us for a panel discussion on the human dimensions of wildfire response and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our panelists Luke Beckman from the Red Cross, Alma Bowen from Nuestra Comunidad, and Charles Brooks from the Rebuild Paradise Foundation will discuss the challenges and best practices for evacuations, shelters, planning and coordination, and recovery efforts in our new reality.

Panelists

• Alma Bowen, Executive Director, Nuestra Comunidad

• Charles Brooks, Executive Director, Rebuild Paradise Foundation

• Luke Beckman, Division Disaster State Relations Director, American Red Cross

Moderator

• Rebecca Miller, PhD Candidate, E-IPER

Wildfire Wednesdays #13 - FACNM Leader Profile - Forest and Wildfire Trivia Game - Wildfire Preparedness Tips

Hello Fireshed

The same as every year around this time we are seeing and smelling smoke in the air from wildfires in Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond.  Until monsoon season begins and brings some long-awaited relief from the heat we can expect more wildfires to start.  As we wait for monsoons remember to keep up your preparedness or use the smoke in the air as a chance to remind some of your neighbors that now is as good a time as any to prepare for wildfire.

This week’s Wildfire Wednesday includes:

• A profile of a FACNM leader in the Timberlake Ranch community in Northwestern New Mexico.

• Forest and Wildfire Trivia Game, to be played over zoom!

• Fireshed Wildfire Preparedness Pages

Best, Sam

FAC Leader Profile: Mary Jo Wallen, Timberlake, NM

Enthusiasm and personal connection to the outdoors are powerful resources. By sharing these passions we can inspire others to take action towards a more wildfire adapted future.

To learn how FACNM leader Mary Jo Wallen got interested in wildfire mitigation and community organizing, click here.

Fire Adapted Communities New Mexico Leaders act in a very similar way to Fireshed Ambassadors here in Santa Fe. To learn more about that program click here.

Forest and Wildfire Trivia game!

Esmé Cadiente at the Forest Stewards Guild put together a fun social distancing activity that you can play with your friends and peers. Forest and Wildfire trivia can be played over Zoom, google hangouts, or any other platform that allows you to share your screen and computer sound. You must have Spotify to access the music round, and PowerPoint to access the visual round. There are five rounds of eight questions:

1. Forest, Fire and tree trivia

2. Music round – Spotify list

3. Visual round - PowerPoint

4. Fictional forests and fires

5. Visual Round PDF – you can work on this at any time

After each round, the quizmaster will read the answers aloud and participants will report back their scores. The quizmaster will keep an excel doc to track scores. You will need to choose a quizmaster to conduct the trivia and then invite participants to join! This is a great way to connect with neighbors and friends in a time when we can’t connect in the personal way we are used to. You may also learn something about forests and fires!

Use these three files to play:

• Quarantrivia -See The Forest – Word Doc instructions and questions

• Round 3. Quarantrivia -See The Forest Visual Round  - PowerPoint

• Round 5 .Visual Round PDF

Cheers,

Esmé

Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Preparedness Page 

To help guide your actions toward wildfire preparedness, take a look at the Fireshed’s wildfire preparedness page. This page features resources that can help keep your home safe from wildfire, including A home hazard assessment, a wildfire preparation factsheet by NFPA, 10 tips for wildfire risk reduction, and a webinar on how to prepare your Home Ignition Zone for wildfire season. The page also has an entire section devoted to wildfire resistant building materials that can help guide you through home construction or renovation.  

Remember, even small actions like picking up pine needles can make a big difference to prepare your home for wildfire!

To take a look at all the useful resources on the Fireshed’s Prepare page, click here.  

Wildfire Wednesdays #12 - What is a Red Flag Day - Fire Ghosts Book Discussion - Campfire Alternatives

Hello Fireshed Members,

Creating communities that are adapted to living in wildfire-prone landscapes requires capturing the hearts and minds of many New Mexicans. To support this effort, we need useful information to guide our actions and creative materials that compel us to reimagine our role in fire adapted landscapes.

This week’s Wildfire Wednesday features resources to guide our wildfire preparedness actions as well as some creative approaches to help us reimagine what it looks like to live within a fire adapted landscape.

• A lesson in Fireline Factors: What does Red Flag Warning mean?

• An discussion focused around the book Fire Ghosts, that finds glimmers of beauty and enlightenment in the increasing destruction of wildfires in an era of climate change.

• Creative campfire alternatives for camping during fire restrictions

Best,

Gabe

What are Red Flag Warnings? 

By Porfirio Chavarria, City of Santa Fe Wildland Urban Interface Specialist

The National Weather Service defines Red Flag Warnings as:

A term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions.

Still scratching your head?  Here’s three bullet points to understand what a Red Flag Warning means. In addition to an area being in a dry spell for at least a week and in high to extreme fire danger, the criteria for the issuance of a Red Flag Warning by the National Weather Service is:

• Sustained wind average 15 mph or greater

• Relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent and

• Temperature of greater than 75 degrees F.

Red Flag Warnings are issued for specific geographical areas delineated by the National Weather Service.  These areas are referred to as, “forecast zones”.  As with any imaginary line drawn on a map, fires and weather don’t recognize those lines.  But, they do help us make sense of and identify commonalities within those lines to tell a story.  In this case, a story about the potential for increased fire behavior.  Santa Fe happens to be in a tale of three forecast zones; zone 102, 103, and 107.

This can cause confusion.  I tend to err on the side of caution, as mentioned before weather doesn’t recognize these arbitrary boundaries, and therefore if a Red Flag Warning is issued in any one of these zones, I regard Santa Fe as a whole to be in a Red Flag Warning. 

This is all well and good but, “How do I know if there is a Red Flag Warning in my area?”. The easiest and most reliable way to know if there is a Red Flag Warning issued is to sign up for severe weather alerts through Alert Santa Fe. Your local television and radio stations will also relay that information during their news casts.  The local National Weather Service Office website, weather.gov/abq  is an excellent source for a quick visual, and you can click on the links to get the detailed text forecast.

In summary, Red Flag Warnings mean the weather is hot, dry, and windy.  Any fire that starts under those conditions has the potential to spread quickly, and easily overwhelm firefighting resources. 

Get the alerts and create a wildfire action plan. When a Red Flag Warning is issued for your area Get Ready, and be Set, because you may need to Go!

Fire Ghosts, a virtual discussion with the authors Patricia Galagan & Philip Metcalf (d) hosted by Collected Works

Jun 25, 6:00 PM Online Event

Patricia Galagan, one of the authors of Fire Ghosts, a new book chronicling the Las Conchas fire and beauty and enlightenment found in the aftermath, will be in conversation with essayists William deBuys, Craig D. Allen and curator of photography at the New Mexico Museum of Fine Art, Katherine Ware and Ernie Atencio, regional director of National Parks and Conservation association (co-sponsors of the event)

For More information and to join the conversation please visit

https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/events-1/philip-metcalf-patricia-galagan-fire-ghosts

Campfire Alternatives: Creative Ways to Follow Fire Restrictions and Still Have Fun

You can still have fun camping without a campfire. Although nearly everyone prefers campfires, in a time where there are fire restrictions just about everywhere in New Mexico, it is a great time to get creative and test your outdoor skills by trying some of these creative campfire alternatives.

For extra outdoors points, brainstorm your own fun after-dinner activities that you can do while you are out in the woods with your friends and family.

One of my favorites is going to sleep early. Ha!

Click here to check out a video and blog post by Leave No Trace for some ideas to get you started.