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Even after the smoke clears from a wildfire, the danger is not over. Other hazards such as debris flows (fast-moving, destructive landslides) can also occur in the aftermath of a wildfire. Wildfires and landslides occur in every state and territory; they kill people and cost American taxpayers billions of dollars in disaster aid, disruption of commerce, and destruction of homes and critical infrastructure.

"While we cannot prevent natural events such as floods, mudslides, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, earthquakes, or tsunamis, we can reduce or mitigate their devastating impacts by helping communities to rebuild in safer locations, construct sturdier dwellings, and enforce sound building practices," said U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer.

Come hear how the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its partners are working together to meet the challenge of reducing America´s wildfire and landslide risk.

What:

The USGS will host a congressional briefing on how science can be used to safeguard communities from the threat of wildfires and landslides.

Who:

Thomas Casadevall, USGS
Jerome De Graff, USDA Forest Service
Michael Rohde, Orange County Fire Authority

Where:

Room 2325 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC

When:

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 15, 2006

Sponsors:

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer
U.S. Representative James Moran

Host: National Fire Protection Association

The USGS recently launched a new Web site and seven easy-to-understand fact sheets on earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes and wildfires, which can be accessed at http://www.usgs.gov/hazards.

To access information about the USGS Congressional Briefing Series, visit www.usgs.gov/solutions.