August 10, 2018 - After a fire passes through a forest, there are hazards that result from burned trees:

Falling trees, ash pits, erosion, landslides, flooding, changes in water quality, and even noxious, invasive plant species.

These hazards can be as equally dangerous - sometimes more dangerous than the fire itself. Please, be cautious when exploring trails after a fire. The forest posts closure orders on its website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices, and you can always call the forest see if it's safe to visit.

The closures are in place to protect both the forest's resources, and you!
Fallen tree over a trail on the Ferguson Fire.  Photo credit: USFS
Burned tree ready to fall.  Photo credit: Michael Davis
Wildfires that partially burn trees are hazardous to anyone around them.  Photo credit: Michael Davis
An ash pit, where a tree has completely burned down to the roots and left holes. These are extremely dangerous to accidentally step in.  Photo credit: Michael Davis

Source: U.S. Forest Service