Flood After Fire Fact Sheet 

Risks and Protection

FACT SHEET

JANUARY 2012

Floods are the most common and costly natural hazard 

in the nation. Whether caused by heavy rain,

thunderstorms, or the tropical storms, the results of 

flooding can be devastating. While some floods develop 

over time, flash floods—particularly common after 

wildfires—can occur within minutes after the onset of a 

rainstorm. Even areas that are not traditionally floodprone are at risk, due to changes to the landscape

caused by fire. 

Residents need to protect their homes and assets with 

flood insurance now—before a weather event occurs 

and it’s too late.

WILDFIRES INCREASE)THE RISK

You may be at an even greater risk of flooding due to 

recent wildfires that have burned across the region. 

Large-scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and 

ground conditions. Normally, vegetation absorbs 

rainfall, reducing runoff. However, wildfires leave the 

ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, 

creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and 

mudflow. Flood risk remains significantly higher until 

vegetation is restored—up to 5 years after a wildfire.

Flooding after fire is often more severe, as debris and 

ash left from the fire can form mudflows. As rainwater 

moves across charred and denuded ground, it can also 

pick up soil and sediment and carry it in a stream of 

floodwaters. These mudflows can cause significant 

damage.

For example, in June 2011, the Las Conchas Wildfire 

charred more than 150,000 acres in New Mexico. One 

month later, heavy rains flooded the burn area, 

prompting a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Everyone is at risk for spring flooding, yet many remain 

unprotected. Just a few inches of water can cause tens of 

thousands of dollars in damage. The average flood claim 

in 2010 was approximately $28,000, and without flood 

insurance, many must cover the costs to repair or rebuild 

on their own. Residents should consider their risk and the 

consequences of a flood event, and make the choice to 

protect themselves. 

Visit FloodSmart.gov (or call 1-800-427-2419) to learn 

more about individual flood risk, explore coverage 

options and to find an agent in your area. 

BE)FLOODSMART)– REDUCE)YOUR)RISK

A flood does not have to be a catastrophic event to 

bring high out-of-pocket costs, and you do not have 

to live in a high-risk flood area to suffer flood 

damage. Around twenty percent of flood insurance 

claims occur in moderate-to-low risk areas. Property 

owners should remember:

 The Time to Prepare is Now. Gather supplies in 

case of a storm, strengthen your home against 

damage, and review your insurance coverages. 

No flood insurance? Remember: it typically takes 

30 days for a new flood insurance policy to go 

into effect, so get your policy now.

 Only Flood Insurance Covers Flood Damage. 

Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover 

flood damage. Flood insurance is affordable. An 

average flood policy costs around $600 a year, 

rates start at just $129 a year for homes in 

moderate- to low-risk areas.

 Plan Ahead. Plan evacuation routes. Keep 

important papers in a safe, waterproof place. 

Conduct a home inventory; itemize and take 

pictures of possessions.