Water flowing through the Lower Gila River with scattered trees and bare earth.

Tamarisk Removal along the Lower Gila River

Part of the Southwest Fire Science Consortium and AZ Wildfire Initiative‘s  SW Fire Stories wildfire documentary video series, this video raises awareness about wildfire on the Lower Gila River and surrounding communities and the work being done by the Lower Gila River Collaborative to reduce wildfire risk and to inform people about the habitat and importance of restoration on the Lower …

Sonoran desert post-fire with charred saguaro

Sonoran Fuel Breaks Field Trip – February 2024

This field trip will delve into the critical issues of wildfire risk and invasive species management in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, AZ. We will hear from public, state, and private land managers who have been conducting wildfire operations, prescribed burns, thinning, and invasive plant removal to protect the Sonoran Desert. Field Trip Objectives: Who …

Social Science to Support Wildfire Adaptation in the US Southwest

An annotated bibliography of research from 1984-2023 Explore this review of all existing social science regarding the human elements of wildfire from Southwestern States, with a focus on Arizona and New Mexico. “The purpose of this bibliography is to support wildfire risk reduction planning, management, and recovery efforts” -Author Catrin Edgeley View the PDF here …

A group of people stands at a lookout point gazing into the fire footprint. They see many burned trees and the vegetation greening up.

Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon Fire: One Year Later

The Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon Fire was a devastating event for New Mexico. Many communities were affected, and while this fire was unique, it will not be for long. Climate change and the effects of a century of fire exclusion mean that fires like this one are increasingly likely. We must understand what happened in …

A smoke plume coming up on the east side of a peak.

Public Experiences and Perceptions with Wildfire and Flooding, A Case Study of the 2019 Museum Fire

IN A NUTSHELL: Gain insights into public perceptions on wildfire and post-fire flooding with suggestions on how to improve information exchange. Description: The greater Flagstaff area in northern Arizona has experienced multiple wildfires in recent years that have resulted in post-wildfire flooding. These events galvanized collaborative efforts to reduce hazardous fuels on steep slopes and …

Policy & Managed Fire

IN A NUTSHELLReview of the history, policies, and challenges behind “managed wildfire”, the fire management strategy of leveraging natural ignitions for resource objectives and community benefit. Description: The topic of “managed wildfire” is mired in complexity, starting with what to call it. This fire management approach has been known as “prescribed natural fire,” “wildland fire use,” …

Smokey sunset over the mountains

Strategies to Reduce Wildfire Smoke

In a nutshell: This webinar will address what could be done to reduce the amount of smoke experienced by frequently impacted communities during wildfire season. Description: Smoke from wildfires is a well-recognized public health and safety issue. While there have been extensive efforts to help communities be “smoke ready”, most people would still prefer not …

Smoke from a fire fills the space between two small hills.

Fire Science Research Needs in the Southwest

By Noah Haarmann and Catrin Edgeley Overview Fire science has advanced significantly in the past decade, yet prioritization of, access to, and use of best available scientific information (BASI) among different users remains unclear. This whitepaper presents the outcomes of a survey (informed by key informant interviews) to determine research needs in fire science across …