Big Rock Fire burn scars face flash flood risks as weekend storms move in

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI) — As storms and heavy rainfall continue to move through the region, areas that experienced recent burns may be more susceptible to flash flooding, such as the areas affected by the Big Rock Fire.

Along the mountains around the Heise area, the land is covered in burn scars and ash. When heavy rainfall hits the area, the water won't be absorbed into the ground. This could lead to water, mud, and debris being forced down the mountain and across the roads.

Jefferson County official realized this and set up barriers to hopefully keep the debris from blocking roadways.

"When this wasn't a burn area, the water would cascade down and soak into the ground," Rebecca Squires, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Jefferson County, said. "Burned soil doesn't soak up water very well. So, to catch the water that's coming down. Our teams built this big catch basin with concrete to help hold back debris. And so this will allow the water time to settle into the soil and hopefully avoid running out and across the road."

As the storms continue to move in, Local News 8 will monitor roadway conditions and alert you if anything is going on in the Heise area and across the region.