Concerns about North Bay burn areas with wet weather on the way

Amy Hollyfield Image
ByAmy Hollyfield KGO logo
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Concerns about toxic ash in North Bay burn areas
Fear of fire has turned to fear of water in the North Bay, specifically, a concern about the rain in the forecast that could potentially wash toxic material into sensitive environments.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- Today marks one month since the North Bay wildfires broke out -- devastating Napa and Sonoma counties.

RELATED: The North Bay Wildfires One Month Later

Officials in Sonoma County say they have worked hard to prepare for the rain as they try to avoid erosion, toxic runoff and flash flooding.

They have placed straw wattles and sandbags around storm drains to keep debris from getting into the watershed. They are asking residents to keep a watch during the rain -- to report if any drains become clogged. They will be testing the run off from the storm to find out if it has toxic waste in it from all the household items and cars that burned.

360 PHOTOS: Devastation caused by wildfires in Sonoma, Napa

The last storm wasn't strong enough to give them anything to sample so this will be the first test. They are also worried about erosion from burned out hillsides that no longer have vegetation and warn this could create flash flooding.

A task force has been created with local, state and federal officials to monitor all these potential issues.

Click here for a look at more stories and videos about the North Bay fires.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Neighborhoods devastated by wildfires

DRONEVIEW7 has captured stunning images showing the destruction caused by the wildfires in several North Bay neighborhoods.