Blue Cut Fire Burn Severity Map Released

SAN BERNARDINO>> The Burned Area Emergency Response post-fire assessment team working on the Blue Cut Fire released the Blue Cut Fire Soil Burn Severity Map. The BAER team, consisting of Forest Service scientists and specialists, uses the soil burn severity data to identify whether there are areas of concern where increased soil erosion, accelerated surface water run-off and debris flows have the potential to impact human life safety, property and critical natural and cultural resources from storm events. The team is considering emergency stabilization options for those critically impacted areas. BAER specialists expect erosion and run-off within the Blue Cut Fire area to increase as a result of the fire. 48 percent of the burned area experienced moderate or high soil burn severity. In these areas, rain events could cause concern for run-off from the steeper slopes, which could lead to post-fire soil erosion and debris flows. Blue Cut Fire BAER Team Liaison Officer Cathleen Thompson reminded area residents that a high level of awareness will be critical to their safety for the next few years. “Everyone near and downstream from the Blue Cut Fire burned area should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scar,” Thompson said. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service, San Diego website. Blue Cut post-fire BAER assessment information is available at the InciWeb site. The soil burn severity map can be downloaded as a JPEG or PDF version from the “maps” tab.