Map 1: This map shows the region of Los Angeles County in which the Station fire occurred. The inset provides a close-up image.
Map 2: This graphic displays a Digital Elevation Model of the Station Fire's area. Blue signifies high altitudes and red indicates low altitudes.
Map 3: This thematic map shows the area of the fire in relation to elevations. The area of the fire is overlayed over a shaded relief model.
The Relationship Between Climate, Elevation, and Wildfires
Every year, an average of 1.2 million acres of U.S. land burn every year in wildfires (Westerling, Warming). The Station Fire, the largest wildfire in the history of Los Angeles county, began on August 26, 2009 (Station Fire). Before it was 100% contained on October 16, 2009, the wildfire burned more than 160,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest (Station Fire). In this report I will analyze how climate and elevation can affect the spread and intensity of a wildfire.
In the case of the Station Fire, the severity of the fire only increased with elevation. As can be seen in Map #2, much of the land consumed by the fire is located in an incredibly mountainous region. As elevation increases, it can be incredibly difficult for firefighters to reach the flames, thus permitting the fire to quickly spread (Los Angeles Fire Map). A lack of roads and access points also severely limit firefighters' ability to reach the fire. In Map #1, we notice that the fire primarily spreads inwards, away from the city. Thus it spreads exponentially.
However, much of the cause for this can be directly attributed to the climate of the Angeles National Forest. The particular biome in which of the forest resides is comprised of primarily chaparral. Chaparral biomes are defined by hot and incredibly dry weather. Most of the hillsides and mountainous regions are covered in small shrubs that quite literally act as fuel for wildfires (Westerling, Climate). In fact, chaparral thrive on wildfires. During fires, the chaparral will release new seeds to repopulate the hillsides once the fire has subsided (Hanes). Because of the chaparral, the Station Fire quickly spiraled out of control and spread to new regions.
The chaparral primarily grow at higher elevations, in desolate hillside regions above cities and towns (Westerling, Climate). When a fire occurs in such a region, the effect is similar to striking a match near a gasoline station. This natural phenomenon forms as a result of the hot, dry climate mentioned above. This, combined with the restraining effects of elevation, ensure that most wildfires will occur in desolate hillsides.
As we can see in the shaded relief model, it becomes clear that elevation plays a significant role in the severity of wildfires. Fires spread in the direction of desolation, which more often than not is located in areas of higher elevation. Map #1 displays the location of the fire in relation to the Los Angeles basin and its transportation networks, such as airports and freeways. The fire spreads away from these locations. The Digital Elevation Model displays the three-dimensional elevation profile of the region; the Station Fire spreads to the regions of higher elevations. The shaded relief model further enhances this statement. There is a direct correlation between wildfire severity, climate, and elevation.
Bibliography
Hanes, Ted L. "Succession after Fire in the Chaparral of Southern California." Ecological Monographs 41.1 (1971): 27-52. Web.
Los Angeles Fire Map." Los Angeles Times. Web. 25 Nov. 2009.
"Station Fire". Incident Information System. 9/25/09.
Westerling, A.L. "Climate and Wildfire inthe Western United States." Bulletin of the American Geological Survey (2001): n. pag. Web. 25 Nov 2009.
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Every year, an average of 1.2 million acres of U.S. land burn every year in wildfires (Westerling, Warming). The Station Fire, the largest wildfire in the history of Los Angeles county, began on August 26, 2009 (Station Fire). Before it was 100% contained on October 16, 2009, the wildfire burned more than 160,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest (Station Fire). In this report I will analyze how climate and elevation can affect the spread and intensity of a wildfire.
In the case of the Station Fire, the severity of the fire only increased with elevation. As can be seen in Map #2, much of the land consumed by the fire is located in an incredibly mountainous region. As elevation increases, it can be incredibly difficult for firefighters to reach the flames, thus permitting the fire to quickly spread (Los Angeles Fire Map). A lack of roads and access points also severely limit firefighters' ability to reach the fire. In Map #1, we notice that the fire primarily spreads inwards, away from the city. Thus it spreads exponentially.
However, much of the cause for this can be directly attributed to the climate of the Angeles National Forest. The particular biome in which of the forest resides is comprised of primarily chaparral. Chaparral biomes are defined by hot and incredibly dry weather. Most of the hillsides and mountainous regions are covered in small shrubs that quite literally act as fuel for wildfires (Westerling, Climate). In fact, chaparral thrive on wildfires. During fires, the chaparral will release new seeds to repopulate the hillsides once the fire has subsided (Hanes). Because of the chaparral, the Station Fire quickly spiraled out of control and spread to new regions.
The chaparral primarily grow at higher elevations, in desolate hillside regions above cities and towns (Westerling, Climate). When a fire occurs in such a region, the effect is similar to striking a match near a gasoline station. This natural phenomenon forms as a result of the hot, dry climate mentioned above. This, combined with the restraining effects of elevation, ensure that most wildfires will occur in desolate hillsides.
As we can see in the shaded relief model, it becomes clear that elevation plays a significant role in the severity of wildfires. Fires spread in the direction of desolation, which more often than not is located in areas of higher elevation. Map #1 displays the location of the fire in relation to the Los Angeles basin and its transportation networks, such as airports and freeways. The fire spreads away from these locations. The Digital Elevation Model displays the three-dimensional elevation profile of the region; the Station Fire spreads to the regions of higher elevations. The shaded relief model further enhances this statement. There is a direct correlation between wildfire severity, climate, and elevation.
Bibliography
Hanes, Ted L. "Succession after Fire in the Chaparral of Southern California." Ecological Monographs 41.1 (1971): 27-52. Web.
Los Angeles Fire Map." Los Angeles Times. Web. 25 Nov. 2009.
"Station Fire". Incident Information System. 9/25/09
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