Wallow Fire area at risk for flooding

July 20, 2012

Summer monsoon storms are now a concern in northeastern Arizona in the area where last year’s Wallow Fire burned. KJZZ’s Al Macias reports there has already been minor flooding.
 
AL MACIAS: The Wallow Fire was the largest in Arizona history. It burned more than half a million acres. Even before the flames were out, rehabilitation crews were planting grass and other vegetation. Recent summer rains have already caused some minor flooding. Lawrence Lujan is with the Apache Sitgreaves Forest.
 
LAWRENCE LUJAN: It’s been raining very steadily every day. And it’s something that could mount. The potential is there for flash flooding … and we don’t know how bad, but we just want people to be aware that it could happen
 
MACIAS: Rangers say visitors and campers need to be alert because storms can wash debris long distances and create flooding miles from the burn area. 
 
For a map that highlights what’s open and closed within the Wallow Fire, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices