Boulder County Braces For Flooding After Fire
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Boulder County is bracing for increased flood danger west of Boulder where hillsides have been stripped bare of vegetation by September's wildfire.
The Boulder Daily Camera reports that about 90 responders from 15 agencies practiced for a variety of emergencies during drills Saturday. September's wildfire that started on Labor Day destroyed 169 homes and scorched more than 9 square miles in populated canyons.
Lack of vegetation on hillsides allows water to runoff faster than those with trees, shrubs and grasses. The rushing water can lead to erosion and flooding.
Boulder officials are on heightened alert for the next three years, which is expected to be enough time for vegetation being planted in the burn area to grow.
Crews were using helicopters this weekend to drop mulch in area.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
