California Dixie Fire Wildfire Restoration
In 2021, the Dixie Fire became one of the largest wildfires in California history, burning nearly 1 million acres of land. A public utility engaged Trihydro to provide stormwater compliance services and implement best management practices (BMPs) to support emergency utility restoration efforts across the impacted region.
Trihydro was brought in just weeks after the fire ignited to lead stormwater protection efforts during critical post-fire utility restoration work. Our role was to develop, deploy, monitor, and maintain water quality protection measures aimed at safeguarding sensitive habitats and minimizing erosion-related risks.
Key Components for Stormwater Protection
- Stabilizing disturbed land surfaces to prevent further degradation from erosion
- Removing fire-damaged trees and assessing hazards to critical infrastructure
- Identifying high-risk areas and prioritizing BMP implementation based on severity and location
Working closely with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and emergency response contractors, Trihydro coordinated field operations to ensure alignment with environmental regulations and safety goals. Our teams used GIS and desktop mapping tools to assess soil conditions, map drainage pathways, and inform restoration planning in real-time.
Field data was shared directly with the utility’s water quality team, allowing for quick issue resolution and efficient field decision making. In addition to emergency response, Trihydro delivered ongoing environmental services to support long-term recovery.
Additional Wildfire Restoration Support
- Site assessments and BMP implementation at basecamps, laydowns, staging areas, and landing zones
- Daily field inspections and environmental compliance monitoring
- BMP design and implementation for major transmission lines and vegetation management areas
- On-site coordination with regulatory personnel and construction management teams
- Development and execution of a comprehensive risk assessment program covering tens of thousands of high-risk work locations across nearly 1 million acres of rugged terrain
Key Outcomes of Our Wildfire Restoration Efforts
- Conducted post-fire risk assessments to protect public safety and infrastructure
- Prioritized and implemented erosion and sediment control measures to protect downstream watersheds
- Repaired and stabilized areas impacted by utility restoration and hazard tree removal
- Applied soil stabilization BMPs to reduce debris flow risks in areas where critical infrastructure was vulnerable
