Post-fire runoff and debris flows: protecting homes below burn areas
Sonoma County has rebuilt a great deal since the 2017 Tubbs and Nuns fires and the 2020 Glass Fire. Homes near burned hillsides face a specific winter risk: water and debris moving downhill faster than before.
What the City of Santa Rosa says
Santa Rosa's Rain Ready page warns that flash flooding and debris flows become more likely during periods of intense rainfall, and lists steps for property owners:
- Identify vulnerable areas on your property.
- Use erosion control such as wattles and rock bags, and clear fire-related debris from creeks and drainages.
- Have an evacuation and emergency plan, keep your phone on for alerts, and follow directions.
- Learn the hazards in nearby burn areas using the city's post-fire hazard assessment map.
The city also says property owners and contractors must install and maintain erosion control on vacant lots and construction sites.
Around your house
- Keep gutters, downspouts and yard drains clear, and check them after each storm.
- Make sure water can flow past the house, not into a garage or crawlspace vent.
- Don't block or redirect a natural drainage onto a neighbor's property.
- In Santa Rosa, report stream debris or channel changes to Stream Maintenance at (707) 543-3800, or (707) 543-3805 after hours.
During a storm
Follow SoCoAlert instructions, watch creeks from a safe distance, and leave early if you're told to. Don't wait to see how bad it gets.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
If mud or water gets in
Treat it like floodwater: stay safe, photograph everything, and start drying quickly. See flood cleanup and storm runoff flooding in Santa Rosa.
Sources
- City of Santa Rosa: Rain Ready
- SoCoEmergency: Preparing for flood season
- CAL FIRE: Tubbs Fire
- CAL FIRE: Glass Fire
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need flood insurance near a burn area?
Burned hillsides can change how water moves. Ask your agent about flood coverage, and remember homeowners policies generally exclude flooding.
Who do I call about a clogged creek in Santa Rosa?
The city lists Stream Maintenance at (707) 543-3800, or (707) 543-3805 after hours.