Police Issue Mandatory Evacuations In Azusa, Glendora

AZUSA (CBSLA.com) — Police Thursday issued mandatory evacuations for some residents in Azusa and Glendora due to the potential threat of mudslides.

Voluntary evacuations were originally issued Wednesday for the Ridge View Drive neighborhood in Azusa, but both cities issued mandatory evacuations for residents who live near the Colby Fire burn area Thursday afternoon.

"You've got a recently burned hillside here with limited vegetation and a very steep slope. It's a recipe for what the experts say is potential for a great deal of damage," Sgt. John Madaloni said.

KNX 1070's Margaret Carrero reports burned hillsides in the area fared well overnight, but authorities are concerned ahead of Friday's strong storm.

"This is going to look like Niagara Falls after the next two inches of rain," homeowner Ed Heinlein said of a retaining wall he recently built.

An evacuation center has been set up at the Crowther Center, 241 W. Dawson Avenue, in Glendora.

The National Weather Service has also issued a flash flood watch, which is scheduled to be in effect from late Thursday through Saturday evening.

Police are expected to release additional information throughout the day.