Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams are assessing post-fire conditions at three large wildfires in the region — the Ptarmigan Fire in the Pasayten Wilderness, the Little Giant Fire north of Entiat and Wenatchee, and the Sinlahekin Fire near Tonasket.
The focus of the BAER process is to identify immediate risks to life, safety, property and critical natural resources after a wildfire, according to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service teams are working closely with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Wildfire-Associated Landslide Emergency Response Team, which assesses post-fire debris flow risks. Their information will be help identify emergency-stabilization needs and inform local emergency managers.
After a wildfire, even a modest rain can cause flooding and debris flows, because the loss of vegetation can increase the risk of erosion. Soil can become hydrophobic and repel water, and the roots of burned trees and other plants can become less stable.
Post-wildfire teams will do emergency-stabilization work to prevent further damage and to rehabilitate burned areas, including by reseeding with native species and mulching. Conditions could also require modifications to culverts or construction of emergency spillways, according to the Forest Service.
Even though the most hazardous areas may remain closed, impacts can occur far downstream on steep slopes and drainages, the Okanogan-Wenatchee said.
Communities and people recreating near fire-affected areas should monitor weather forecasts and avoid steep terrain or waterways downstream of burned areas.
The town of Loomis experienced significant flooding from a late-September rainstorm connected with the Sinlahekin burn scar, Okanogan County Emergency Manager Maurice Goodall told the county commissioners.
The Little Giant Fire was 95% contained at almost 173,000 acres as of Tuesday (Oct. 13). Fire crews are working on repair and patrolling as needed. There are still some forest closures in effect.
The most recent fire updates for the Ptarmigan and Sinlahekin fires are from September. Most forest and road closures in connection with those fires have been lifted. The Ptarmigan Fire was 73% contained at 25,166 acres. The Sinlahekin Fire was 93% contained at just over 166,000 acres.
