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What a difference a few days can make in the life cycle of a fire. In this particular case, the Thomas Fire that is ongoing in the Ventura County around (and surrounding) in Southern California. The following images were taken by the Terra and Aqua satellites on Dec.

The USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service has a wealth of information on fire recovery and erosion management. They can also do site visits to make recommendations about fire recovery: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=CA https://www.nrcs.usda.

This is from past experience, and is still relevant. Availability of replant trees is a major issue to consider at this point. The wildfires in San Diego and Ventura Counties during the fall of 2003 were certainly devastating to many avocado groves adjacent to burning native chaparral.

The destruction after a fire can be pretty gruesome and sad. Many times, though the fire moves through the orchard so fast that, even though the canopy has turned brown, there is a good chance the trees can come back. It all depends on how much damage has been done to the trunk.

Sonia Rios, Area Subtropical Horticulture Advisor, Riverside & San Diego Counties Henry Herrera, Forester, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Gary Bender, Subtropical Horticulture Advisor, San Diego County This is a reposting of a blog from 2015 that is still pertinent...