A Burning Threat, Version 2
Galloway H, Brigham C, Mutch L. 2022. A Burning Threat, Version 2. National Park Service, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
This is a one-page infographic that describes and illustrates the recent impact of severe wildfires on giant sequoias. It highlights the importance of periodic fire to the life cycle of giant sequoias and to the health of these groves. Six recent wildfires (between 2015-2021) resulted in the death of many large sequoias (those greater than 4 feet in diameter). In the 2020 Castle Fire, which burned in Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Park, and also in state, county, and private lands, an estimated 10-14 percent of the world's large sequoias died (or 7,500-10,600 sequoias). In 2021, the KNP Complex Fire and the Windy Fire burned in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia National Forest, and the Windy Fire burned in Sequoia National Forest and the Tule River Indian Reservation. These two fires together killed an estimated 2,261-3,637 sequoias. Fire Scientists estimate that the 2020-2021 fires alone are likely to have killed 13-19 percent of the world's large sequoias. Fuel buildup from lack of fire, rising temperatures and drying conditions have all contributed to the increased severity of wildfires. Confronting this challenge requires working across boundaries with partner agencies and organizations to take actions that help sequoia groves become more resilient to fire and warming climate.
- Type
- Resource Brief
- Authors
- Galloway, Hazel; Brigham, Christy; Mutch, Linda
- Date of Issue
- 2022-06
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Units
- SEKI , YOSE
- Keywords
- Castle Fire, climate change, fire-adapted ecosystem, fuel buildup, giant sequoia, giant sequoia mortality, giant sequoia threats, giant sequoias, KNP Complex Fire, prescribed fire, severe wildfire, Sierra Nevada, SQF Complex Fire, tree mortality, wildfire
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Forest/Woodland Communities , Ecological Framework: Landscapes | Fire and Fuel Dynamics | Fire and Fuel Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Landscapes | Extreme Disturbance Events | Extreme Disturbance Events