That’s why, according to a recent article in the Sonoma County Gazette, the City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma in California are encouraging residents living in and around recent wildfire burn areas to prepare for the rainy season now. The City and County are working to assess and reduce the risk of flooding and to prevent fire-related debris, pollutants and sediment from being carried into storm drains, creeks and the Russian River. In high risk areas, the City and County are installing post-fire hazard signs to alert residents and visitors to these potential hazards.
There have been several examples of post-fire flooding over the years. Most recently in June 2020, the Bighorn Fire burned almost 120,000 acres north of Tucson, AZ and a few weeks later, a light rain triggered a flash flood and mud flow in the area.
If there has been a wildfire near your home or business, you should take measures to prevent loss from a subsequent flood. A great first step, if you don’t already have one, is to purchase a flood insurance policy issued through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Since NFIP flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period, it's best to buy one well before the need arises.
What's more, under an imminent threat of flood, your flood insurance policy may allow reimbursement for any sandbags, plastic sheeting and labor costs you incur to prevent floodwaters from entering your property. The details may vary depending on the type of flood insurance you purchase, so take a few minutes now and review your policy coverages with your agent.
The bottom line is this: When rain begins to fall on a burned-out area, be prepared for flash floods.