Even beyond the human and animal impacts, the effects of wildfires are far-reaching.
Now, B.C. wants to know how wildfires have affected the soil.
The province is asking for the public’s help to report any erosion concerns or potential flooding risks associated with recent wildfires, especially within the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN).
The government says it needs to know this so it can notify the appropriate authorities and so problem areas can be addressed.
Wildfire activity can increase the risk of natural landslides and flooding, and areas burned during the 2018 wildfire season may face a higher risk of soil erosion, which could result in more sedimentation in waterways and in drainage infrastructures such as culverts or ditches.
The province completed some post-wildfire rehabilitation planning and implementation activities in priority areas before snow and freezing conditions hit in November 2018.
These activities addressed the most immediate concerns, but they have not eliminated all potential risks.
That’s because it will take time during the next growing season for soil-stabilizing plants to regenerate and help mitigate soil movement and erosion hazards in burned areas.
B.C. says rehabilitation work and planning will continue in the region this spring.
However, the public should look out for landslides and signs of erosion or sedimentation. The rate at which the snow melts this spring and the amount of water released will influence whether these impacts occur.
People travelling on roads downslope of burned areas should exercise caution, particularly when snowmelt rates are high or when rain or snow is falling, and caution should also be taken during summer thundershowers since heavy rain can increase the potential for floods or landslides.
So, what should you do if you suspect some possible soil erosion?
Anyone observing such impacts on public roads, bridges, or culverts in the Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, or Fort St. James areas should contact Yellowhead Road and Bridge Vanderhoof at 250-567-3114 during office hours (7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday), or 1-800-667-6636 outside office hours.
Anyone noticing damage to forest service roads or the environment (such as erosion affecting streams or other waterways) should contact the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development at 250 567-6363.
Ministry staff regularly monitor such impacts on Crown land.
