FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5) — Coconino County just completed a project to protect Flagstaff homes and businesses from flooding caused by monsoon and wildfire burn.
The 2019 Museum Fire burned about 2,000 acres north of Flagstaff. Two years later, the monsoon hit the burn scars, sending torrential rains and debris flows into people's homes.
The county has been working on flood prevention infrastructure to prevent major flooding following wildfires, and recently completed the second and final phase of the Parkway Sediment Basin.
Patrice Horstman I wear many hats. She is a Coconino County District 1 Supervisor, a member of the Flood Control District, and a long-time member of the community.
Therefore, she knows the dangers of wildfires and what happens after. “Wildfires and post-wildfire flooding are the greatest health and safety risks for Coconino County,” Horstman said.
She also witnessed the Museum Fire come dangerously close to town and the subsequent flood of burn scars that affected her community. “I've lived in this neighborhood for 50 years,” Horstman said. “So the people who live here, this is their home. This is where they raise their children. Two years after the museum fire, we actually had a monsoon and a devastating flood. It was just a wall of sandbags around people’s houses.”
So the county is restoring the forest, removing debris and recently completing a Parkway Sedimentary Basin.
Lucinda Andreani, Flood Control District Manager, said the basin would spread water out to slow the flow and reduce burn scar sentiment by 85% before overwhelming the city's drainage system. “If we don't reduce this, what's being built will just be buried,” Andreani said. “We spent about $10 million throughout the corridor for long-term flood mitigation.”
As a city and County continues flood mitigation projects, sandbags are beginning to be removed around the affected areas. “To see the benefits for property owners and residents, you have to wake up every day during the monsoon season and wonder, 'Am I going to get flooded today?'” Andreani said. I would be happy if I could alleviate some of that concern and stress. ”
Although the project is complete, the county is still working on post-wildfire recovery. san francisco peaks. As such, they are now focused on mitigating fire risks to prevent the need for these projects in the future.
Was there a spelling or grammatical error in your story? Click here to report.
Have a breaking news photo or video? Submit that's for us here Comes with a simple explanation.
Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
