Rains bring threat of mudslides in Western NC

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- With rains likely to move in, there's now the potential for mudslides in Western North Carolina as the wildfires have left scorched earth behind.

Flames burn small trees, bushes and other vegetation which normally keep steep slopes solid, and hold them in place, WLOS reports.

Wildfires strip the soil of that protection, and heavy rain can quickly turn dirt into unstable mud.

At the latest community meeting for the Clear Creek Fire, residents heard from a specialist who counts on local knowledge to help plan for what could be the next possible threat to the mountains.

Crews will use information from the specialist to decide which areas need erosion control.

Read more from WLOS.

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