OROVILLE, California — Cal Fire Butte County held a meeting to discuss a potential flood risk from the scar areas burned by the Park Fire.

The Park Fire burned 429,000 acres in Butte and Tehama counties this summer, leaving a massive scar. Cal Fire has been actively working throughout Butte County conducting prescribed burns to reduce vegetation as a preventive measure for future fire risks.

Since there is no vegetation or barrier to absorb the soil, it will allow water and rain to reach these areas directly, which could cause flooding in places like Chico.

The main concerns revolve around three drainages which are Rock Creek, Mud Creek and Big Chico Creek.

Law enforcement can’t be everywhere at the same time, so they are asking people to report anything they hear or see about increased water flows. The public often notices flooding before authorities do.

What community members can do to stay safe and prepared is to purchase sandbags to fortify their living areas, pack an evacuation bag, and take weather advisories seriously.