Latest: Flash flood watch issued for Oregon burn areas

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch Thursday for areas in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, including parts of counties that were just devastated by major wildfires

(Independent)

The Latest on wildfires in the U.S. West (all times local):

2:50 p.m.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch Thursday for areas in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, including parts of counties that were just devastated by major wildfires.

Clackamas County, south of Portland, and Jackson County in the southern part of the state, were among those listed as at-risk for floods from heavy rain and thunderstorms headed to the state. Both counties have significant burned areas from the fires.

Areas that have recently burned are at a higher-than-usual risk for flash flooding and mudslides because the trees and vegetation that normally absorb the water and hold the soil in place are gone.

Heavy rain can trigger landslides, rock fall, and debris flows in steep terrain.

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2:45 p.m.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — California’s Sequoia National Park has been fully closed due to a nearby wildfire in the Sierra Nevada wilderness.

A statement on the park website says the action implemented earlier this week came after the park headquarters and the community of Three Rivers at the park’s southern entrance were put on evacuation notice.

Sequoia National Park is threatened by the Castle Fire, part of the SQF Complex of fires ignited by lightning in the Sierra National Forest.

Burning since Aug. 19, the complex has scorched nearly 192 square miles and is just 12% contained Thursday.

Kings Canyon National Park, immediately to the north of Sequoia, remains open.