Debris flowing into Oak Creek from the Slide Fire burn area caused water quality issues within the creek.

The Coconino County Public Health Services District warns that water contamination is likely to flooding events within Oak Creek Canyon and the creek. Health officials recommend residents and visitors – especially children and pets – not to drink untreated creek water or swim in the creek as bacteria may be present.

Residents with concerns regarding water quality and well water questions are advised to visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/dw/download/wildfires.pdf.

As a reminder, flash floods can occur after a few minutes or hours of heavy rainfall.

Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of moving water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, rock slides and debris flows within and downstream of the Slide Fire scar area. Please use caution.

Get away from the water and, if possible, head toward state highway 89A or get to high ground east of Oak Creek during flood events.

More information is available at http://coconino.az.gov/index.aspx?nid=1283.