The Station Fire was a devastating fire in 2009 that ripped through the Los Angeles National Forest, lasting from August 26 to October 16. The fire burned through approximately 161,000 acres of land destroying parts of the the Forest Service and causing many people to evacuate from their homes. Wildlife was also greatly impacted as many species of plants and animals died as a result of the fire damage.
In regards to the theme of my map, I chose to focus on how the Station Fire affected majors roads within the area. According to the Forest Service, fires destroyed the guard railings of major roads, as well as many traffic signs causing roads to become very unsafe for driving. It was reported that Highway 2, Big Tujunga Canyon Road, and Upper Tujunga Canyon Road was closed off to the public during the Station Fire.
Another hazard the Station Fire caused for the surroundings roads is that it weakened the hillsides and land of the area, making it very vulnerable to debris and mudslides. The heat of the fire also caused the soil to seal itself, making mudslide flows even faster and more powerful. Homes and property at the foot of the hills are in extremely danger of mudslide damage, especially during storms.
The dangers of storm damage are predicted to last 3 to 5 years after the events of the Station Fire until burned areas fully recover. There are several efforts that are planned in order to prevent storm and mudslide damage. The Forest Service Reports that they install rails and put down sandbags in order to redirect the water/debris flow away from roads and property. Installing gates and barriers are also planned to prevent future damage.
On August 4, 2010, a bill was proposed for a reported $700,000 secured by the state to fix the damages caused by the Station Fire. An estimated 300 miles of roads and 225 miles of trails were harmed during the fire and the bill would provide needed funding to repair these damages. Road repairs would include installing retaining walls, reconstructing water crossings, repairing drainage, and restoring damage road signs.
In regards to the theme of my map, I chose to focus on how the Station Fire affected majors roads within the area. According to the Forest Service, fires destroyed the guard railings of major roads, as well as many traffic signs causing roads to become very unsafe for driving. It was reported that Highway 2, Big Tujunga Canyon Road, and Upper Tujunga Canyon Road was closed off to the public during the Station Fire.
Another hazard the Station Fire caused for the surroundings roads is that it weakened the hillsides and land of the area, making it very vulnerable to debris and mudslides. The heat of the fire also caused the soil to seal itself, making mudslide flows even faster and more powerful. Homes and property at the foot of the hills are in extremely danger of mudslide damage, especially during storms.
The dangers of storm damage are predicted to last 3 to 5 years after the events of the Station Fire until burned areas fully recover. There are several efforts that are planned in order to prevent storm and mudslide damage. The Forest Service Reports that they install rails and put down sandbags in order to redirect the water/debris flow away from roads and property. Installing gates and barriers are also planned to prevent future damage.
On August 4, 2010, a bill was proposed for a reported $700,000 secured by the state to fix the damages caused by the Station Fire. An estimated 300 miles of roads and 225 miles of trails were harmed during the fire and the bill would provide needed funding to repair these damages. Road repairs would include installing retaining walls, reconstructing water crossings, repairing drainage, and restoring damage road signs.
References:
Beltzer, Yvonne. Station Fire Takes a Big Toll: Wildlife Habitat Lost. NBC Los Angeles. September 4, 2009. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Station-Fire-Takes-a-Big-Toll-Wildlife-Habitat-Lost-57081182.html
Lloyd, Jonathan. AM Headlines: Station Fire Recovery Bill. NBC Los Angeles. August 4, 2010. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/AM-Headlines-Wednesday-Aug-4-99938209.html
Peterson, Molly. After the Station Fire, forest specialists survey the damage. KPCC Southern California Public Radio. September 28, 2009. http://www.scpr.org/news/2009/09/28/scientists-study-station-fire-impact/
Rocha, Veronica. Bill includes $700K for Station fire damage Glendale News-Press. August 4, 2010. http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/tn-gnp-station-20100804,0,1324268.story
U.S. Forest Service. Angeles National Forest - Station Fire. Burned Area Emergency Response. November 11, 2004. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_020019.pdf
Beltzer, Yvonne. Station Fire Takes a Big Toll: Wildlife Habitat Lost. NBC Los Angeles. September 4, 2009. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Station-Fire-Takes-a-Big-Toll-Wildlife-Habitat-Lost-57081182.html
Lloyd, Jonathan. AM Headlines: Station Fire Recovery Bill. NBC Los Angeles. August 4, 2010. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/AM-Headlines-Wednesday-Aug-4-99938209.html
Peterson, Molly. After the Station Fire, forest specialists survey the damage. KPCC Southern California Public Radio. September 28, 2009. http://www.scpr.org/news/2009/09/28/scientists-study-station-fire-impact/
Rocha, Veronica. Bill includes $700K for Station fire damage Glendale News-Press. August 4, 2010. http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/tn-gnp-station-20100804,0,1324268.story
U.S. Forest Service. Angeles National Forest - Station Fire. Burned Area Emergency Response. November 11, 2004. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_020019.pdf
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