The Cedar Fire burning near Pinetop-Lake Side is now 75-percent contained. Tains from the monsoon storms in the area are helping fire fighters control the blaze.
But the rain also poses a threat.
Fred von Bonin with the Burned Area Emergency Response Team said loose dirt, ash, and rocks in previously burned areas can get carried away by the rain.
“What we fear is those sort durations of high intensity storms that drop two inches in a half an hour or an inch in 15 minutes in a concentrated area, because that’s what generates a flash flood,” Von Bonin said.
Thunderstorms are in the forecast Tuesday. Von Bonin said he hopes gentle rains continues as they will help settle ash and create a crust to hold in the water preventing post-fire flooding.