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Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) Report and Web Map Available to the Public

Cal Fire has released its WERT (Watershed Emergency Response Team) report on environmental damage from the Carmel and River Fires. The River Fire and Carmel Fire started on August 16 and August 18, 2020, respectively, and together burned approximately 55,000 acres within Monterey County. In addition, a total of 103 structures were destroyed and 20 structures were damaged between the two fires. Areas affected by these fires pose an increased risk for debris flows, flooding, rock-fall and sediment loading that may impact downslope property and infrastructure and threaten public safety. This report is a critical post-fire review which addresses public health and safety concerns, watershed protection and will help guide recovery in impacted areas. The report provides: ∙ Critical analyses of the watersheds impacted by the fires ∙ Recommends emergency protective measures and mitigation efforts for the burn scars in preparation for the upcoming winter season ∙ Guides for local recovery planning efforts, including hillside stabilization, water quality protection and fishery habitat restoration ∙ Outlines many watershed recommendations which will help the County evaluate threats and prioritize efforts to protect life and property from future storms The WERT Report can be downloaded on the WERT webpage or the Winter Storm web page. Additionally, these pages offer an online map so those impacted can look up their addresses to see if their home is at risk for flash flooding and debris flows. WERT Report and Process To identify post-fire hazards and their potential impacts to life and property, Monterey County requested assistance from CAL FIRE to conduct a post-fire watershed evaluation. A Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) composed of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and California Department of Conservation- California Geological Survey (CGS) personnel was deployed to the fires on August 29, 2020 and field work was completed on September 1, 2020. The WERT process is science based and data driven. WERT members use ground observations and satellite-derived imagery to assess post-fire vegetation condition. The team of engineering geologists, civil engineers and hydrologists then identify homes, structures, utilities and infrastructures (referred to as values-at-risk or VARs) that are at risk due to heavy rain events. The report focuses primarily on life and property safety from possible debris and mudflows and high erosion rates. Preparing for Post-Fire Winter Storm Debris Flows Fire-damaged areas can be hazards both in the immediate area and miles away. Locations downhill and downstream from burned areas are very susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows, especially near steep terrain. A good rule of thumb is: If you can look uphill from where you are and see a burnt-out area, you are at risk. Residents in these areas are advised to: ∙ Visit the Post-Fire Watershed Webpage and search for your address on the WERT ∙ Prepare for winter and visit the Winter Storm webpage. ∙ Residents should register for Alert Monterey County (Register here) and Nixle to receive flash flooding and debris flows emergency alerts. ∙ Text MCWINTER to 888777 for mobile alerts.

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