Landscapes charred by wildfire can become ground zero for floods and mudslides » Yale Climate Connections

Earlier this year, wildfires raged near the town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, destroying more than a thousand buildings and killing two people.

Within a few weeks, the fires had been contained. But then came the rain.

Over the next few weeks, rain repeatedly poured down on the recently burned forest. The water rushed off the charred landscape, flooding the town and causing even more damage and danger to residents.

Floods and mudslides can be common after wildfires.

Wildfires destroy vegetation and coat the soil with a waxy surface, preventing water from seeping into the ground and increasing runoff.

So when rain hits a burn scar, that water can quickly rush downhill while picking up dirt and debris, creating dangerous floods within mere minutes.

This increased flood risk can last five years or more after a wildfire until the forest has had a chance to regrow.

In many areas, climate change is making wildfires more common and intense.

So experts suggest that people living in wildfire-prone areas purchase flood insurance.

And before disaster strikes, residents should study evacuation routes and pack a go-bag – to help them stay safe when wildfires and flooding threaten their homes.

Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media