As Rain Intensifies, Cal OES Expands Prepositioning of Swift Water Rescue Teams Near Fire Burn Scars in Southern California

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As rainfall intensifies today throughout the southern part of the state increasing the threat of mud flows and flash flooding, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has strategically prepositioned critical firefighting and swift water resources in Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

The prepositioned resources include:

Orange County: Bond/Silverado/Blue Ridge Burn Scars

  • 5 Cal OES Type 3 Engines, 1 Type 2 IA Crew, 1 Local Government Type 2 Dozer,1 Local Government Swift Water Rescue Team,1 Local Government Type 2 Helicopter 1 Local Government Dispatcher

Los Angeles County: Fish Burn Scar

  • 1 Local Government Type 1 Dozer, 1 Local Government Type 1 Hand Crew

San Bernardino County: Eldorado/Apple Burn Scars

  • 1 Local Government Hand Crew Type 2IA, 1 Wheeled Loader, 1 Local Government Dispatcher, 1 IMT Overhead

The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Tuesday, with flash flooding possible in recent burn scars, per the National Weather Service Los Angeles. Rain is expected to continue Wednesday and then dry out the rest of the week.

The public is urged to be prepared t for potential flooding and mudslides in areas recently burned by wildfires. A debris flow can take homes off their foundations and carry items such as vegetation, large boulders, and cars. If you live near or downslope of burn areas, you should have a plan to quickly evacuate your community if flash flooding or a mudslide were to happen. Learn more about being flood aware here.

For more from Cal OES, visit CalOES.ca.gov and follow us on Twitter @Cal_OES.