Hangan knew that there were boulders once used by the ancient Kumeyaay Indians in the Cleveland National Forest near Descanso, just outside San Diego. After a fire in the forest last summer, Hangan was relieved to find the rocks intact. She also discovered that the collection of boulders was more extensive than she realized — indicating a settlement large enough to support as many as five extended families instead of two or three.
Because many sites contain Indian artifacts or burial grounds, trained tribe members often join professional archaeologists for post-fire hunts. For example, Frank Brown, a Kumeyaay cultural expert and firefighter, accompanied Hangan.
After fires reveal artifacts, archaeologists must protect them from looters. Pottery, arrowheads and other items have turned up for sale over the Internet after wildfires, even though removing artifacts from public property is prohibited under federal law.
Often, archaeologists recommend closing burned-over areas to the public until new grass begins to screen the exposed sites again.
"It's a delicate balance," Hangan said. "The public has a right to see what belongs to it, but we have to protect it, too."
