With the Horse Gulch Fire at 100% containment, Lewis and Clark County officials remind residents in and around the burn scar to remain vigilant as flood-after-fire debris flows and mudslides can impact area for years after the fire is out.
The Horse Gulch fire has left over 15,000 acres charred, thinned of vegetation, and unable to absorb water. Paired with moderate to steep-sloped terrain, this can create areas of flash flooding during storm events. As little as a half inch of rain an hour can cause flash flooding throughout the year.
“Since the fire started, the weather has been hot and really dry, so flooding isn’t probably on anyone’s radar at the moment. However, preparing and planning now for flooding after fire can be a valuable asset to those residents in and around the burn scar area,” Worby McNamee, Lewis and Clark County Floodplain manager said in an email.
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Residents can take steps to prepare by familiarizing themselves with evacuation routes in relation to flooding, sign up for or confirm they are receiving weather and/or local emergency alerts, and purchase flood insurance. Since the Horse Gulch Fire started on federal land, the typical 30-day waiting period for policies is waived.
“Be proactive and register for Smart911. Those alerts can save your life when you only have minutes to prepare and react.” Said Kyle Sturgill-Simon, Lewis and Clark County emergency manager.
Stay up to date on any National Weather Service-Great Falls Office alerts at: https://www.weather.gov/tfx/
If you have any questions on flood insurance and preparing for flood after fire, contact Worby McNamee, county floodplain manager at 406-447-8375.
