For families affected by wildfires, the National Weather Service wants to bring home the point that the threat isn't over.
Homes and neighborhoods located downhill of a burn area are extremely susceptible to flash flooding during the rainy season, November-March. Wildfires ravage the terrain causing erosion and leaving very little vegetation to soak up the rains, expected to arrive later this year.
During that timeframe, heavy and/or consistent rainfall is likely and can lead to debris flow. That's when rainfall moving downhill picks up large amounts of ash, sand, silt, rocks and burned vegetation (trees).
The force of this rushing water can damage or destroy bridges, roadways, and buildings even miles away from the burned area
Keep in mind, areas at risk can be in the immediate area of the burn or even several miles away. A good rule of thumb is, if you can look uphill from where you are and see a burnt-out area, you are at risk, according to the National Weather Service.
Currently, there are different agencies are working on the evacuation criteria: Forest Service, USGS, U.S. Army Corps and Water Resources. Some of the things they are considering: burn scar proximity to infrastructure, population and water supply and how all three areas would be impacted.
They're also taking a look at the Burn Severity Map, which takes into account the slope of the terrain along with soil decomposition. The goal is to determine how much rainfall is needed for flash flooding to occur and which areas are more at risk.
"It's vital to keep in mind if you live in the hills there can be flash flooding with or without a burn," said Michelle Mead with the National Weather Service.
The takeaway, if you live downhill and downstream from burned areas, is to continue to be vigilant by having an evacuation plan for you and your family.