Study: Fire, flooding near Williams could cost up to $694M

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A major wildfire and flooding on a forest peak could cause between $379 million and $694 million in damages to a northern Arizona city, according to a study.

The Northern Arizona University study, which was presented to Coconino County supervisors Tuesday, examined how post-fire floodwaters flowing down the slopes of Bill Williams Mountain would threaten the city of Williams, the Arizona Daily Sun reported .

The damage evaluation was calculated by estimating the costs associated with repairs, tourism revenue losses, freight delays on Interstate 40 and damage to communications infrastructure.

The study analyzed how a fire with similar size and intensity to the Shultz wildfire that struck the Flagstaff area in 2010 would affect Williams. The 2010 fire had a financial impact between $133 million and $147 million, according to the study.

Williams is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Flagstaff.

The study also found nearly 950 structures would be at risk due to possible flooding.