Heavy rain after fire: What to expect

After a fire, many plants are gone. Plants normally soak up rain and slow down water flow, so without them:

• More water runs quickly into creeks, rivers and low-lying areas.
• This can cause flash flooding, which can happen suddenly and without warning.

Flash floods

Flash flooding can occur durig heavy rain events. Flash floods can:

• Become deep and fast-moving very quickly
• Carry dangerous debris like rocks, branches and whole trees
• Damage or wash away roads, bridges and riverbanks

Landslides

Plants and tree roots help keep the soil stable. After a bushfire:

• The ground can become soft and heavy when it rains
• Without roots holding it together, the risk of landslides increases

Landslides can:

• Send rocks, soil and trees downhill
• Cause serious damage to buildings and roads

Assess the circumstances as you see them, do not to enter flood water and monitor the VicEmergency Where do I get information in an emergency? page.