Utah's busy wildfire season could lead to more flooding, experts say

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- The Utah Division of Emergency Management is urging Utahns to start taking steps to prepare for higher flood risks after a busy wildfire season throughout the state.

According to Utah Fire Info, there have been over 680 fires so far in the 2024 season, burning over 43,200 acres across the Beehive State. The Division of Emergency Management said these wildfires put Utah at higher risk of flooding.

Homes and communities directly affected by fires or those located below or downstream of burn areas are most at risk. If there is flooding, it can bring debris, form mudflows, and cause significant damage.

"It is difficult to think about flooding in the middle of or after a wildfire event. We urge residents to be observant of rapidly changing conditions, especially on uphill slopes, and be prepared for the possibility of flooding,” said Tracie Harrison, the Utah National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator at the Division of Emergency Management.

How wildfires increase flood risk

The Division of Emergency Management said wildfires remove the vegetation and leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates ideal conditions for flash flooding and debris flows when there is a storm with any kind of r...