Wildfire Effects in the Rugged Terrain of Placerita Canyon, CA

Family in Placerita Canyon, CA was threatened by the Sand Fire in July, 2016 and were forced to evacuate their home. In September, 2016 I took some photos of the aftermath in an open space (East Walker Ranch) near where they lived. I was struck by how the fire jumped from hill top to hill top, sometimes sparing grass, brush and oak trees in between. The open areas are not heavily forested, so the fire mostly consumed grass and brush. However, the homes in the area are surrounded by mature oak trees which create more of a forest environment. There was evidence where orange/red fire retardant was laid down by aircraft, most of it near homes and businesses. Clearly the firefighters had successfully protected these areas, but the devastation of the open spaces was complete. Surprisingly, I saw several green sprouts emerging from the blackened earth. Circle of life I suppose. Here are some photos.