California’s summer wildfires increase risk of flooding during winter

STATEWIDE — Authorities say Californians they are now at greater risk of flooding and debris flows during this winter’s storms because of the many wildfires that have scorched vast areas of land.

Santa Barbara County officials have warned locals, who experienced a devastating backlash from the recent fires.

Last year in January, a debris flow following Thomas Fire destroyed homes, killed 21 people and two went missing.

According to a report by KSBY, scientists say post-fire floods are a greater risk to homes because the ground cannot absorb the water due to ash and debris.