With winter on its way, there’s a higher chance of rain — and this year, there’s also a higher chance of flooding.
Multiple significant watersheds were impacted by the Park Fire and Butte County officials say areas downstream of the burn scar are likely to see severe flooding.
“Concerns include debris from burned trees and other material — sediment and mud and just other muck coming down — which could create issues and clog things up,” said Joshua Pack, Butte County’s director of public works.
The county and city of Chico are working to minimize risks and inform residents on how to stay prepared.
“We've been through way more disasters than we'd like to,” Pack said. “The silver lining amongst that is we're very experienced in how to navigate the post-disaster concerns.”
Residents should learn where their evacuation zones are and create emergency plans as a precaution, Pack said.
People living in areas prone to flooding are recommended to have flood protection materials like sandbags on hand. It’s also recommended that they remove any loose debris that could be picked up in a flood and become a hazard.
Areas that could be affected include Big Chico Creek, Keefer Slough, Rock Creek and Mud Creek. Residents in low-lying places along those regions are encouraged to prepare for floods now. Areas that typically do not flood are also likely to be impacted.
