Communities affected by the Goodwin Fire facing threats from monsoon flooding

On Wednesday, crews continue to make great progress on the Goodwin Fire that is burning just south of Prescott, in Yavapai County.

As of Wednesday, the fire burned over 28,000 acres, and it is 91% contained. About 180 personnel continue to fight the flames, and full containment is now expected next Thursday.

The concern for people living in the burned areas will now shift to possible problems from floods, as large-scale wildfires can dramatically alter the landscape and ground conditions, which increases the risk of flooding within the burn and downstream areas.

A major monsoon over that area could be disastrous, and on Wednesday night, Yavapai County officials are gathering people in the fire area to warn them of the dangers.

The challenge for communities in Goodwin Fire area is the Bradshaw Mountain area is all burned. As a result, if it rains, the runoff will have no vegetation to hold it, and it will come down the mountain into washes. Several of the washes feed into Big Bug Creek. The creek bed, along with other tributaries which run through Mayer and other communities, are prime for flooding.

Yavapai County has already placed free sand and sand bags in neighborhoods that border the creek, as well as at fire stations, encouraging residents prepare for the worse.

"I haven't really thought about it until now," said Spring Valley resident Kendal Hamen. "I guess I didn't take it seriously until you mentioned sandbags, so I'll probably have to look into that for safety."