NEWS for November 2007

USGS scientists Geoff Plumlee and Deb Martin are preparing a writeup based on preliminary results of ash samples taken from a few sites in the nearly 28 recently burned suburban and wildland areas where ash was collected. Water leachates of the the several ash samples analyzed to date produce elevated pH levels as high as 12.7, suggesting the ash may generate “caustic alkalinity upon contact with rainwater or water-based body fluids such as perspiration or fluids lining the respiratory tract.” Residential ash samples may contain elevated levels of some metals or metalloids such as arsenic, lead, copper, and/or zinc. These results indicate that appropriate respiratory protection and clothing should be worn by persons active in burned areas to avoid potential inhalation of and skin contact with the ash. To date no asbestos has been conclusively identified in the ash; however, areas of elevated asbestos or metals of concern could have been missed due to the reconnaissance nature of the sampling and analysis. Preliminary results were disseminated orally today to California to OES and FEMA officials today at the Multi-Agency State and Federal State and Federal task force (MAS-G) in Colton, CA. The USGS report will be provided initially to the MAS-G in the near future with key results and data, part of a process through which the USGS will then work with MAS-G to disseminate results to County agencies and the public. Potential talking points for emergency responder and congressional briefings are being prepared immediately by our Office of Communications.

Lucy Jones, USGS Chief Scientist, Multi-Hazards Demonstration Project (MHDP), is meeting this week with the leaders of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in Colorado. USNORTHCOM provides “command and control of Department of Defense (DoD) homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities.” Jones will be presenting our efforts to create a realistic earthquake scenario for southern California – but will have time to meet with FEMA authorities while there to discuss our post-fire response efforts. USNORTHCOM has expressed interest in coordinating with the USGS on these multi-hazards activities.

Early next week, the USGS and FEMA are expected to release jointly created flood inundation and debris flow maps detailing burned areas most prone to flooding and debris flows. These maps will show federal, state, and local emergency responders specific areas most likely to produce floods and debris flows, and serve as a base for a debris flow warning system being jointly developed with NOAA.