Aftermath of Wildfire in Arctic Waterway (IMAGE) University of New Hampshire Caption View of Siberian waterway after a forest fire -- smoke and soot linger in the air for several days even after rainfall. UNH researchers find aftereffects of a burn can last up to five decades and could have major implications on vital waterways. Credit Bianca Rodriguez-Cardona/UNH Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.