Flood After Fire Campaign - Resources for Colorado Communities

As you know too well, wildfires have the potential to bring widespread damage to our region each year. It’s less well known that areas impacted by fires are at increased risk of flooding, so individuals and communities must remain vigilant even after wildfire season.

Members of the community should be aware that the effects of wildfires can extend long after the flames are extinguished. Communities in or near burned areas are at significantly greater risk for flooding for up to five years or more after a fire. Flood damage after fire is often more severe, and dangerous mudflows may occur when rainwater moves across barren ground, picking up soil and sediment and carrying it in a stream of floodwaters. 

Individuals can protect themselves against the financial risk of flooding after a fire by purchasing flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

There is typically a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy goes into effect. The NFIP has a variety of educational resources available online to help property owners and renters better understand their flood risk and mitigation options. We invite you to amplify this message by sharing the social media toolkit available on Floodsmart.gov with your networks and communities. 

Join or start a conversation on social media by using the #FloodAfterFire hashtag and learn more about your risk and take action.