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Lessons learned from 2021’s wildfire season.

Flood After Fire

If you sell flood insurance in a state prone to wildfires, you should know your community is at greater risk of flooding following 2021’s wildfire season. As of Dec. 31, 2021, the National Interagency Fire Center’s (NIFC) reported a total of 58,733 wildfires across the country that burned more than 7.13 million acres. While these fires have been put out, there is still a threat to the surrounding burn scar areas after the flames have been extinguished. 

Wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, increasing a community’s flood risk for up to five years or more after the fire is extinguished. With no vegetation to help absorb liquid, even moderate rainfall can cause flash flooding and mudflows to homes, businesses, and other structures located in burn scars and surrounding areas. 

Certain regions, including many Western states, typically have greater wildfire risk, and experienced more wildfires than other areas in 2021. Use these talking points to help educate your community about the increasing flood after fire risk*: 

California    
Total acres burned: 3,083,507
Total number of fires: 8,367
California accounts for approximately 40% of acres burned in the United States in 2021

Oregon
828,778 acres
2,203 fires 

Arizona 
Total acres burned: 532,149 
Total number of fires: 1,696 

Colorado
Total acres burned: 31,227
Total number of fires: 965 

Washington
Total acres burned: 647,249
Total number of fires: 1,872

After a wildfire, it can be hard to imagine another risk ahead. But as a flood insurance agent, it’s your responsibility to help ensure your community is prepared for what comes next. Use NFIP’s free marketing resources to help inform your community about their flood after fire risk and how they can protect the lives they’ve built with flood insurance. 

*Some data for the 2021 wildfire season is still being reported. These are preliminary stats and will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.