Almeda Post Fire Monitoring

The project evaluated the impacts of the 2020 Almeda fire on Bear Creek over a three-year period by collecting samples from instream above and below the fire and from 3 storm drain (2 affected by the burn and one reference). The goal was to identify what fire related pollutants (if any) were found, what degree of a threat did they pose, and if they persisted over time. In addition, a secondary goal was to evaluate the system recovery and stabilization efforts of the region as recovery efforts commenced and evolved. Metrics collected for the post-fire monitoring program included metals, toxics like PFAS, dioxins and furans, 6PPD-quinone, nutrients, and turbidity.

The benefits to salmon and steelhead from this project will be an increased understanding of the toxic and other water quality parameter impacts from a large urban fire in close proximity to a fish-bearing stream (Bear Creek) that feeds into a larger, important fish resource stream (Rogue River). The collected data and increased understanding will allow development of improved urban fire response plans, best management plan implementation, and stormwater runoff response that can inform communities in their response to future large or small urban area fires.

In addition, the data collected and analyzed will be used to inform local restoration and rehabilitation efforts.