Flash flood warning issued around fire area

The National Weather Service issued a flash floodwarning today for the area where a more than 27,000-acre brush fire has beenburning for a week.

The warning, which will remain in effect until 2:30 p.m., covers centralRiverside County, including Mount San Jacinto and the Idyllwild area. Heavyrainfall and thunderstorms were developing in the area, according to the NWS.

Burn areas are “particularly susceptible” to flash floods and debris,according to the NWS. Residents and motorists should watch for mud and debris,which could block roads, and “potentially dangerous flooding and property losscould result in areas where runoff is restricted or blocked,” the WeatherService noted.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, firefighting efforts would beadjusted to ensure firefighters’ safety in potential flood areas. The MountainFire is about 70 percent contained and is expected to be fully containedWednesday, according to the Forest Service.