Tough challenges ahead for California firefighters, residents, according to Virginia Tech fire expert

The intensity of the deadly wildfires in Northern California can be attributed, in part, to a lack of controlled fires, which can help thin the forest and reduce the amount of fuel for a fire, says a Virginia Tech expert who researches the impacts of wildland fire on ecosystem processes.

“The amount of fuel in place is excessive and can create very hazardous fire conditions when droughty conditions are present,” said Adam Coates, an assistant professor of forest fire ecology and management in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. “Dry conditions and unfavorable winds, near 75 miles per hour, in areas with heavy, natural fuel loads have created erratic fire behavior that is not desirable for fire suppression.” 

On the front lines

Coates calls the men and women fighting the California fires truly heroes for what they do. 

“They face exhaustion due to the amount of time they are working in rough, rugged terrain. The work is challenging, not only on the body, but also on the mind. Constant changes in wind and humidity create alterations in fire behavior on a minute-by-minute basis and those changes must constantly be evaluated,” said Coates. “In most cases, many of these firefighters have traveled from out of state and will spend quite a bit of time away from their daily jobs, families, and loved ones.”

Looking Ahead

“I believe one of the most important facets of recovery may be the human response to these fires. There are ways we can build more effectively to prevent catastrophic loss of life and property,” said Coates. “It is important that we learn from these and other fires and insure that we are building in areas and living in areas that are not primed for wildfires.”

Adam Coates  

Professor Coates’ research focuses on topics such as restoration ecology, fuels, fire behavior, silviculture, soils, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

To secure a live or recorded video interview with Adam Coates from the Virginia Tech campus, contact Bill Foy in the Media Relations office at 540-231-8719 or 540-998-0288.  

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