Post Valley Fire Flood Risks Remain Low, Residents Urged to Stay Informed and Prepared

As the Valley Fire recovery efforts continue, Boise residents in and around the burn area are encouraged to stay informed about potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and communities.

Understanding the Risk:

On October 4, 2024, the Valley Fire burned approximately 10,000 acres of the Boise Foothills. HDR, an engineer firm, was contracted to assess and evaluate the potential risks to homes and structures in and around the burn area, to include the potential for flooding, landslides, and mud flows. HDR has determined that the majority of the Valley Fire area is classified as having low to moderate burn severity, with only a small portion of insignificant high burn severity located in the drainages above Boise communities. According to professional assessments, the chance of elevated flood or debris flow risks is low. Existing catch basins are expected to be sufficient in managing any storm-related impacts that the area could experience.

"The fire's effects will persist for 3-5 years as vegetation is re-established. During this period, the risk of flooding and debris flow remains elevated, but is still considered low risk," said Assistant Boise Fire Chief Brad Bolen. "We are working closely with our partners to monitor the area and provide timely information to the community. By staying proactive and prepared, residents can help minimize risks and keep themselves and their homes safe."

Collaboration and Monitoring Efforts:

A working group consisting of the City of Boise's Public Works, Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, Community Engagement, and Ada County Emergency Management continues to meet and coordinate efforts related to post-Valley Fire recovery. This group is focused on sharing information and taking actions to keep residents safe while staying in close communication with the local National Weather Service office to monitor upcoming weather events. To support these efforts, two active weather stations are currently providing real-time data at Hulls Gulch and Highland Valley. A third Boise Fire-owned weather station will be installed once the area becomes accessible after the snow melts. This real-time monitoring will be vital in tracking weather patterns and assessing potential risks in the affected areas.

Be Informed and Prepared:

To ensure safety in the event of an emergency, residents are urged to:

1. Sign up for Emergency Alerts: Register for Ada County's CodeRed emergency alerts here: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF01DC4DD213 and ensure that emergency notifications are enabled on cell phones to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).
2. Maintain Drainage Systems: Regularly maintain culverts and catch basins to help reduce the potential for flooding. This is often the responsibility of Homeowners' Associations (HOAs).
3. Review Home Insurance: It's essential for residents to review their home insurance policies, especially in relation to disaster related coverage. Homeowners should check with their insurance provider to understand the details of their coverage, including any potential waiting periods for new coverage. The events of the Valley Fire should be part of the discussion. Discounted flood insurance is available to Idaho residents through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which covers damages from mudflows and floodwaters. However, it does not cover landslides or slope failures.
4. Respect Trail Closures: For safety reasons, residents and visitors should avoid areas that are marked as closed to reduce risks in the burn zones.

"While risks are low, it's still crucial that everyone takes these steps to stay informed and prepared," said City of Boise's Emergency Manager Rachel Holford. "Whether it's signing up for alerts, maintaining drainage systems, or reviewing insurance policies, through continued awareness and preparedness, we can work together to ensure the long-term resilience of our neighborhoods."

Public Education Resources Available:

Residents seeking more information on post-fire flood risks and recovery efforts can access several valuable resources, including:

• Idaho Silver Jackets Post-Fire Brochure: https://ioem.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IDSJ_PostWildfire_Individuals2019_Final.pdf
• FloodSmart Resources - Flood risks after a fire can be significant, and the FloodSmart website offers valuable insights: https://www.floodsmart.gov/
• Understanding Mudflow and the NFIP - A detailed fact sheet about the National Flood Insurance Program and the risks of mudflow can be found at: Understanding Mudflow and the NFIP Fact Sheet.

Get Involved:

• Join Idaho Department of Fish and Game in efforts to restore wildlife habitat lost in the Valley Fire. Opportunities will occur throughout the spring and fall to plant native seedlings in support of post-burn restoration for wildlife and protect against soil erosion. Additionally, in the fall they will be collecting sagebrush seed to further rehabilitate these areas. For more information, or to sign up to help with restoration efforts, click here.

A map of the Valley Fire and burn severity

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City of Boise

150 North Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID 83702

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