Residents In Colby Fire Burn Area Ordered To Evacuate

GLENDORA (CBSLA.com) — Residents in the Colby Fire burn area Friday were under mandatory evacuation orders as a storm moved through the foothill communities.

Highcrest, near Sierra Madra, in Glendora was impassable in the early morning hours due to flooding. Rainbow Drive was also experiencing heavy mud.

The city of Glendora raised its alert level to Red around 10 p.m. Thursday, prompting more than 1,000 residents in the area to evacuate.

"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.

An evacuation center was established at the Crowther Teen Center at 241 W. Dawson Avenue.

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.

Police in nearby Azusa also issued evacuation orders Friday morning for 12 residents on the east side of Ridgeview Drive.

"Immediately evacuate your residences and move away from the hillside," the APD said.

Goddard Middle School and St. Lucy's High School were closed for the day.

On Thursday, rocks, mud and sediment were being cleared out from the five debris basins located at the base of the burned-out hills. K-rails were also placed throughout the area and more than 22,000 sandbags were distributed to residents.

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