OROVILLE, Calif. — Cal Fire Butte County held a meeting to discuss a potential flood risk from areas scarred by Park Fire burns.

The Park Fire burned 429,000 acres in Butte and Tehama counties this summer, leaving a huge scar. Cal Fire has been actively working throughout Butte County conducting prescribed burns to reduce vegetation as a preventative measure against future fire hazards.

Since there is no vegetation or barrier to absorb the soils, this will allow water and precipitation to flow directly into these areas, potentially causing flooding in places like Chico.

The main concerns revolve around three watersheds, namely Rock Creek, Mud Creek and Big Chico Creek.

Law enforcement can’t be everywhere at once, so they’re asking people to report anything they hear or see about increased water flows. Often the public is informed of flooding earlier than the authorities.

What community members can do to stay safe and prepared is purchase sandbags to fortify their living areas, prepare a bug out bag, and take weather warnings seriously.