Davis County Residents Face Flood Threat Due To Francis Fire Burn Scar
Sep 19, 2019, 5:40 AM | Updated: 7:02 am
FRUIT HEIGHTS, Utah – The Francis Fire burning in Davis County nearly 70% contained, but residents face a new threat as the burn scar has increased the potential for flooding.
Rain is expected Thursday night and Friday morning, and public safety officials have warned residents who live near the burn scar to be prepared.
Fire authorities surveyed the scar from the air and said the threat of flooding is high due to the high terrain. They’re advising people in the area to look into flood insurance, move important items out of their basements, and pay close attention to the weather forecast.
Brendan Waterman with the U.S. National Forest Service said the Francis Fire “burned hotter” than the other recent fires in Davis County, and he said that can increase the flood risk.
“We’re looking at the different burn severities within the the contributing drainages and watersheds and just taking a first look at where those problem areas might be,” he said.
Officials are awaiting satellite imagery to help evaluate the situation.
This is the third fire to spark in Davis County in recent weeks. The Gun Range Fire destroyed several homes in the Bountiful area, and the Snoqualmie Fire forced evacuations in Layton.
