New Mexico fire authorities are concerned about the ongoing impact of the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire that's been burning for more than seven weeks.

According to KOB 4 News, officials are particularly concerned about the increased risk for burn scar flooding as storm season approaches. Prior to the fire, the region's steep mountain slopes had vegetation that helped absorb rainfall.  Now that the wildfire has stripped this vegetation, the slopes will not staunch the flow of rain. 

"Post-fire in some of these areas, especially the high-soil burn severity areas and the moderate, we’re looking at a steep slope that’s more like a parking lot," Micah Kiesow, a soil and watershed program manager with the Santa Fe National Forest, told KOB 4 News. 

KOB 4 reports that even without intense flooding, the ash and and debris left behind by the fire will get picked up by water flowing down the slopes and be taken to water filtration plants that aren't equipped to filter out ash particles. This means that water quality for local residents could suffer from high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrates.

The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Geological Survey performed an assessment and predicted that areas surrounding the fire could see "heavy debris flows if they receive about .25 inches of rain in 15 minutes."

State officials report the fire has destroyed least 330 homes and expect the number to rise.