The 2013 Fire Season (Invited Presentation)

Several high profile wildfires punctuated an otherwise below normal season in the U.S. In Colorado, the Black Forest fire destroyed over 500 structures and caused evacuation of several thousand residents. The Yarnell fire in Arizona was the darkest in many years killing 19 members of a hotshot crew. At the peak of the Rim fire outside of Yosemite National Park, which ultimately burned over 250,000 acres, approximately 5000 fire fighters were assigned to the incident. During the summer, wildfire smoke severely impacted communities in southern Oregon and Reno, Nevada as air quality particulate values exceeded unhealthy conditions. Globally, record high temperatures were associated with numerous fires in Australia, the most damaging in Tasmania where numerous homes were destroyed. Notable fires occurred in Argentina, and in Portugal five fire fighter fatalities occurred this year. This presentation highlights the 2013 wildfire season, emphasizing key events and impacts through pictures and narrative.