A murky, menacing torrent of water that was captured last week in Arizona is a warning of a greater risk after wildfires earlier this year, accor

Flash flood in Arizona triggers torrent of wildfire debris; officials warn of risks after blaze near Tucson

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2020-07-20 16:00:15

A murky, menacing torrent of water that was captured last week in Arizona is a warning of a greater risk after wildfires earlier this year, according to officials.

Officials in Pima County said Thursday on Facebook that the Bighorn Fire earlier this year left an increased risk of flash floods in the area.

"Even a light rain can produce devastating flash floods and mudflows, often with little warning," county officials stated.

Authorities shared a video taken Wednesday along a channel in the northern part of the country after a "minor storm."

"Wildfires like the Bighorn Fire leave the ground charred, barren and unable to absorb water," officials stated.

Andy Dinauer, deputy director for the Pima County Regional Flood Control District, told KOLD News 13 the flash flood last week was a reminder that such washouts can happen even when it's not raining directly overhead.

"Somebody downstream would have no idea it's coming cause it's not raining where they're at and the water comes crossing the road," he said.