MARYSVALE, Utah — With rain expected to bring relief to firefighters battling several wildfires in the state, concerns are now turning to conditions that could possibly prove to be more dangerous.
“Never ever in a million years thought I would say this, but I’m praying for drought... we don’t need any rain,” said Marysvale Fire Chief Jon Christensen.
The U.S. Forest Service issued another warning Thursday about possible mudslides and flooding in areas surrounding the Silver King Fire in Piute County. The lightning-caused fire has been burning since July 5 and grew to over 18,000 acres. It is now 83 percent contained, according to fire officials.
“Based on preliminary information, what the experts have said that have come in here, based on personal experience on having to deal with these things in the past, we’re expected a lot of flood damage, there’s going to be a lot of debris, there’s going to be a lot of water there’s going to be mud and people need to take it very seriously,” said Christensen.
With the fire burning vegetation, there is no longer anything to help bind soil and absorb rain water.
"Flooding and landslides cause more casualties than wildfire nationwide, and they often occur in burned areas," the Forest Service posted to social media.
A small mudslide was reported Wednesday in the fire's northern perimeter, but there is currently flooding potential for the following areas:
- Beaver Creek
- Bullion Canyon
- Pine Creek
"Exercise caution, watching for fire equipment and personnel, and look out for slick or blocked roads and trails," the Forest Service warned.
With rain in the forecast, the approximately 400 Marysvale residents are being told to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.
“Quoting one of the federal personnel, he said the fire is the least of your worries,” Christensen said.
Sandbags are now available to Marysvale residents at the Town Center and at the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When the current supply runs out, the Marysvale Fire Department has another 12,000 sandbags they can fill and distribute.
Residents should be prepared for the long run and not just this week's storms.
“From what the BAER team have told us, this is a 5-year event, because it takes a while for the vegetation to grow back," the chief explained. "We will have rain events, it's going to change water courses, it's going to do a lot of things that we’re not used to, or places that maybe haven’t flooded in the past might, or vice versa, we just don’t know.”
Christensen said one of the bright spots of the fire and flood preparation is how the town of Marysvale is banding together.
“Events like this sometimes have a way of bringing communities closer together.”
