Backcountry Emergencies
Forest Fires
This page presents some basic information on forest fires and how they relate to hikers, backpackers, and campers in canyon country.
Forest fires can be natural or human caused. We'll present more information on this topic at a later time.
Falling Trees (Widowmakers)
Often forest fires burn out the centers and the root structures of many trees, so some are weak at their bases and may fall with little warning. Heed park rangers' warnings about areas to avoid, and be alert, even in your car.
Following forest fires, thousands of dead trees, known as snags, were are left standing. These snags may fall with very little warning.
Be cautious and alert for falling snags along trails and roadways, and in campsites and picnic areas. Avoid areas with large numbers of dead trees. There is no guarantee of your safety.
Just like lightning strikes, falling trees can't be prevented, only avoided. Fortunately, trees near the breaking point—known as widowmakers—offer many warnings signs before they come crashing down.
- Roots: Decayed roots account for the majority of tree falls. Look for raised mounds of soil or exposed roots at the base—both indicate instability. Aboveground symptoms include wilted leaves or dead branches in the crown.
- Trunk: Watch for evidence of decay, such as fungal growth, large cracks, cavities, and soft, crumbly wood. Forked trunks are weaker than those with single stems.
- Branches: Beware of cracked and snagged limbs that can fall without warning. Dead branches are more likely to break loose, so be vigilant in windy conditions.
- Leaves: Wilted or smaller than average leaves indicate disease. Don't assume that green foliage guarantees a healthy tree; consider all of the above hazards before pounding in tent stakes.
Reporting Forest Fires
In Utah
- Cedar City District, BLM: 435-586-7021
- Dixie National Forest Dispatcher: 435-586-4215
- Moab Interagency Fire Center: 435-259-1850
Books and Resources
Related Sites
|
|
More Outside Links |
||
