After Wildfire, Winter Weather Means Oak Creek At Risk For Flooding
Emergency crews are searching for one car that swept down Oak Creek and they’re keeping a close watch on Oak Creek Canyon. Last May’s Slide Fire has left the danger for mudslides and flooding.
As the rain falls and the snow melts, Oak Creek continues to rise. For eight months sandbags and jersey barriers have kept the water from flowing through homes and businesses.
Sedona Fire Department battalion chief Ed Mezulis said the Burned Area Emergency Response team planted grass last summer that has held the ground in place so far.
Mezulis reminded people not to attempt to cross flooded roads. South of Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona the waterway swept a car downstream Sunday.
“The potential for injury is huge with the swift water,” Mezulis said. “You’re taking Oak Creek and you’re turning it into Class 4 and 5 rapids. A motor vehicle is definitely not what you want to use to navigate our waterways.”
Mezulis said the driver swam to shore without injury but the fire department still has not located the car. He said residents need to be prepared to wait out the storm for a few days.
