Beaver County Commissioners held an emergency meeting Tuesday morning at the Beaver County Administration Building to declare a local state of emergency. The decision follows severe flooding that has resulted in property damage and necessitated evacuations.
The commissioners voted for the declaration to facilitate greater access to both state and federal funds.
The flooding follows runoff from the Cottonwood Burn Scar, which sent massive debris flows toward residential neighborhoods. Commissioners stated that flood preparations began three days after the Cottonwood Fire ignited in Beaver and Piute Counties.
Despite existing plans, severe floods devastated communities this past Saturday and Sunday. Heavy rains returned on Tuesday, causing a second round of flash flooding along the fire's burn scar.
One commissioner noted during the meeting that the current plan is to attempt to keep the water in the river.
An evacuation order was issued Tuesday morning for residents located within a quarter mile of the Beaver River, including the Grove area.
Additionally, residents within a quarter mile of North Creek have been placed under SET status, meaning they should be prepared to evacuate at any moment. Residents in the Town of Beaver are also advised to prepare to evacuate if necessary.
