Southern California Burn Area Residents Brace For Rain

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Southern California burn area residents were bracing for rain Sunday, and preparing with sandbags.

Among those areas was Canyon Country, which was subjected to the Sand Fire in July. The fire burned 20 homes, 40,000 acres, spurred evacuations, and cost a man his life.

Because of the Sand Fire, vegetation that would normally hold back mud and debris, and soak up water was longer there. To that end, many residents were gearing up with sandbags.

"We were out for four or five days and now we're back and now we go through the next phase," Gary Saenger, a homeowner, said.

The National Weather Service says the storm system will generate widespread rainfall across southwest California.

The agency says flash flooding and debris flows will be a particular threat in and below the recent burn areas.

Residents were urged to remain on alert, and follow directives by emergency preparedness officials.