- One adult, one child died in the flood.
- Both were in a camper trailer that had washed away.
- The area was engulfed in wildfire.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office says two people have died in the flooding of the Cameron Peak Fire in Larimer County, Colorado. The two, an adult and a child, were in a camper trailer that was washed away by the flood near Buckhorn, west of Fort Collins.
Reports of flooding began around 5pm on Friday. When the sheriff’s office learned that at least one trailer had been washed away, it searched the area in a Homie and others searched the area on foot. The two who died in the flood were found around 7:30 pm
The sheriff’s office said no one else was missing and no homes were completely sealed off. The floodwaters washed away private bridges and waterways in the area, officials said.
(More: Why do flash floods happen so quickly?)
“There are areas where vehicular traffic is not allowed, but residents should be able to get in and out during daylight hours,” the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said.
At least one residence was destroyed, but all residents are safe and accounted for.
Torrential rain dumped on the scars of the Cameron Peak fire. In the year In 2020, the Cameron Peak Fire burned more than 208,000 acres in two Colorado counties and Rocky Mountain National Park.
(More: How long does it take for a wildfire burn scar to heal?)
Areas with burn scar slopes are particularly vulnerable to flash floods. Normally, ground-drinking rain falls very quickly. According to the National Weather Service, burnt soil can be as resistant to water as pavement. This can be especially difficult on steep terrain.
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