A Warming Climate Adds Complexity to Post‐Fire Hydrologic Hazard Planning

Climate change will likely increase the frequency of damaging post‐wildfire floods and debris flows, amplifying the threat to life, property, and infrastructure situated in susceptible areas. Decision‐makers are in need of resources to support planning for the changing characteristics of these hazards. A novel framework for evaluating post‐fire debris flow recurrence intervals (Kean & Staley, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020ef001735) supports this need and allows for the integration of emerging information. While this is a valuable step forward, simulations of past and future climate at relevant spatial and temporal scales as well as additional monitoring efforts are needed to effectively address post‐fire hydrologic hazards in a warming climate. Key Points Climate change will likely increase the frequency of damaging post‐wildfire flash floods and debris flows Decision‐makers are in need of resources to support planning for the changing characteristics of these hazards While Kean & Staley, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020ef001735 is a step forward, precipitation scaling factors, reanalyses, and additional monitoring efforts are needed