Mandatory Evacuation Order For Colby Fire Burn-Area In Glendora Takes Effect
GLENDORA (CBSLA.com) — The city of Glendora Thursday raised its alert level to red triggering a mandatory evacuation order due to the approaching storm.
The red alert went into effect at 10 p.m. as did the evacuation order for more than 1,000 residents living in the Colby Fire burn-area, officials said.
The city said the Crowther Teen Center at 241 W. Dawson is open.
"We recommend evacuations and the evacuations are mandatory. It doesn't mean we're going to go into their residences and force them to leave but we're going to strongly advise that for their safety they should leave their residence. There is nothing they can do," said Chief Tim Staab of the Glendora Police Department.
Officials also said the Inland Valley Humane Society will be available to offer assistance with small animals. If necessary, horses may be taken to the Pomona Fairgrounds, Gate 1.
"If the Colby Fire didn't happen, all the flood control basins and debris basins would be doing their job. The fire is what caused all that," said Vic Penrod with the Glendora Water Department.
Since the fire 11 months ago, three rainstorms have hit the area.
Pat Kozak, a Glendora resident, said he was expecting the worst.
"Last time, I wasn't prepared so when it came down at 2 in the morning, I was running outside because we had such an inundation of water," Kozak explained of a previous storm.
On Thursday, rocks, mud and sediment were being cleared out from the five debris basins located at the base of the burned-out hills.
By afternoon, a long-reach excavator was positioned near one of the storm channels in the event that debris blocks the free-flow of water. Across the region, K-rails and sandbags were in place.
"They have everything in place. As much as can be done is done and their just waiting for it to happen," Penrod said.
Beginning at midnight, work crews are also expected to be positioned at all five debris basins to ensure that storm channels remain clear.
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