BASALT, Colo. — Rainfall led to flooding and debris flows in the Lake Christine Fire’s burn scar Sunday evening, according to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction issued a flash flood warning for the Basalt Mountain and Lake Christine Fire burn scar area. It expired at 11:45 p.m. Sunday.
Flash Flood Warning continues for Basalt CO, El Jebel CO until 11:45 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/8RwdpfLTW2
— NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT) August 5, 2019
People on Pinion Road and on Cedar Drive above Pinion Road in Basalt were urged to climb or drive to higher ground.
Pitkin Emergency Alert for the Basalt/El Jebel, Frying Pan Valley area(s): Active Flooding Lake Christine Burn Scar Flooding All persons on Pinion Road and & Cedar Drive above Pinion Road in Basalt – climb or drive to higher ground NOW. Active flooding and debris flows in area.
— Pitkin Co. Sheriff (@PitkinSheriff) August 5, 2019
Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office said Frying Pan Road was closed. It reopened about 9 p.m.
“Crews are working to clear debris and reach trapped persons,” the sheriff’s office said via Twitter.
Late Sunday night, authorities confirmed that no property loss was reported. However, there is mud around some homes.
Additionally, about 10 vehicles were stuck on Frying Pan Road. All of them were safely moved.
An evacuation center for displaced residents is open at the Eagle County building near Crown Mountain Park.
The July 2018 wildfire destroyed three homes in the El Jebel area, scorched nearly 20 square miles and forced thousands of people from their homes.