Storm Bearing Down On Southland Brings Mandatory Evacuations For Areas Scorched By Wildfire
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The first big storm of the season started to drop rain Monday on areas burned just weeks ago by the largest fire in California history, prompting evacuation orders and a rush for sand bags to protect against mud flows.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for the residents of Matilija Canyon to North Fork and Wheeler Gorge. Residents from those areas should leave immediately, as significant rainfall is expected that may result in mud/debris flows in those canyon areas. Folks under evacuation can go to Ventura City College gymnasium at 4667 Telegraph Road.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for roughly 180 homes near the Fish Fire burn area in the city of Duarte. The evacuations begin at 7 p.m.
Officials with the city of Burbank issued a "voluntary evacuation warning" that will take effect at 10 p.m. for the following areas:
Country Club Drive above Via Montana; Hamline Place; 925 to 1030 Groton Drive; 830 to 849 Stephen Road; 907 to 936 Joaquin Drive; 2906 and 2934 Olney Place; 2934 Remy Place; 2949 Mystic View Place; 3430-3436 Brace Canyon Road; 3301 to 3310 Brookshire Court; 3318, 3321, 3322 and 3422 Wedgewood Court; 3514-3519 Folkstone Court; and 3529-3530 Castleman Lane.
An evacuation center has been set up by the Red Cross at the Duarte Community Center, 1600 Huntington Drive.
An evacuation center was also set up at McCambridge Recreation Center, 1515 Glenoaks Blvd. following the city's declaration of a local emergency for the areas, which could be impacted by runoff from the La Tuna fire burn area.
In addition to the mandatory evacuation, classes at Valley View Elementary School, 237 Mel Canyon Road, have been canceled Tuesday.
Residents below the Thomas, Whittier, Sherpa and Rey Fire burn areas have been ordered to leave their homes by noon in advance of the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain, high winds, and subsequent mud and debris flows.
In Burbank, "No Parking" signs were placed all over Country Club Drive, a potential mud flow zone. The no parking restrictions will remain in effect through noon on Tuesday.
Sand bags are being distributed at local fire departments.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for unincorporated parts of Santa Barbara County, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria, including all areas north of Highway 192, east of Cold Springs Road, and west of Highway 150/the county line. Areas along Tecolote Canyon, Eagle Canyon, Dos Pueblos Canyon, Gato Canyon, and the Whittier burn areas near Goleta are also under mandatory evacuation order.
Voluntary evacuation warning were issued for all areas south of Highway 192 to the ocean and east of Hot Springs Road/Olive Mill Road to Highway 150/the county line. Officials advised residents of these areas to stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to leave immediately.
The storm could also result in urban street and underpass, flooding making for a "rainy, windy commute" on Tuesday, he said.
Weather service computer models indicate the two storms will both be wetter than first thought. Some south-facing slopes could receive as much as five to six inches of rain over the course of a few hours when the rainfall peaks Tuesday.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
