The Gold Ranch Fire, which burned more than 600 acres along Interstate 80 near the Nevada-California state line, might have an impact on one of the main water sources in the Truckee Meadows. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) tells News 4-Fox 11 they typically see an impact on water quality when we have a precipitation event.When it rains or snows, the runoff from the burn scar gets in the river and that’s when you see the change in water quality. Experts say it could take some time before we see any impact, but the potential is still there. … Experts say we could see major impacts on the Truckee River when the first rain after the Gold Ranch Fire happens. Rain will sweep ash and other debris into the water.

Related wildfire articles and studies:

• Associated Press: Firefighters significantly tame California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record
• Los Angeles Times: Kern County is having its summer of fire. And summer’s not over
• UC Davis: Less Severe Forest Fires Can Reduce Intensity of Future Blazes
• Nature Communications: Longitudinal propagation of aquatic disturbances following the largest wildfire recorded in New Mexico, USA