(Washington D.C., Wednesday, January 25, 2023) – Wider spread and more destructive wildfires are on the rise in the western United States. These leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, making it so that it takes only a little rain to cause a flood or mudflow. Residents in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah need to understand that their flood risk increases until vegetation is restored, which can take up to 5 years or more after a wildfire.

Having a flood insurance policy is vital for residents to protect their homes when flooding occurs after a wildfire. Just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 dollars in damage, and most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage.

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Administrator, at the U.S. Fire Administration, explains what residents on the West Coast can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

ON THE WEST COAST, WE’VE SEEN RECORD-BREAKING WILDFIRES AT ALARMING RATES. DID YOU KNOW THAT THE RISK OF DAMAGE DOESN’T JUST STOP WHEN A FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED OR AFTER IT BURNS OUT? THE SECONDARY RISK OF FLOODING IS ALSO SEVERE AND THAT RISK CAN LAST FOR UP TO 5 YEARS OR MORE AFTER A WILDFIRE. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

AFTER A WILDFIRE, RESIDENTS IN WESTERN STATES SHOULD KNOW THAT THE CHARRED GROUND CAN PREVENT WATER FROM BEING ABSORBED. THIS SITUATION CAUSES THE RISK OF FLOODING TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY. PURCHASING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY IS THE BEST WAY TO BE READY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT. VISIT FLOOD-SMART-DOT-GOV-SLASH-WILDFIRES TO LEARN MORE.

For more information, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/wildfires.