Mandatory evacuations issued in Orange County as heavy rain hits near Airport Fire's burn scar
Heavy rain pouring down in the area burned by the Airport Fire in Orange County led to mandatory evacuation orders for nearby communities Thursday as authorities braced for the risk of dangerous debris flows.
On Wednesday, county officials announced voluntary evacuation warnings were going to go into effect for homes near the fire's burn scar as such wildfire-scorched terrain is at a particularly high risk for flooding, mudslides and debris flow when hit by heavy rain. But county officials said Thursday those orders were now mandatory, directing residents to leave areas of Trabuco Canyon, Bell Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon immediately.
"Evacuation routes can quickly become impassable due to mud, debris or flooding," Orange County officials said in an advisory Wednesday.
A flood watch is in effect for the area from 10 a.m. Thursday until 4 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The eastern area of Orange County facing evacuations is expected to see more rain Thursday following a heavy downpour earlier in the day. Forecasters have warned of possible thunderstorms after 4 p.m. that could bring even more heavy rain.
Last year, the 23,000-acre Airport Fire broke out in September in Trabuco Canyon, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains just north of Rancho Santa Margarita, injuring at least 21 people and destroying over 110 homes in Orange and Riverside counties.
Mandatory evacuation orders and warnings
The mandatory evacuation orders take effect at 12 p.m. and apply to the following communities.
- Trabuco Creek including the RC Airport, fire station, campground/park and school
- Bell Canyon including Starr Ranch
- Hot Springs Canyon including Lazy-W Ranch
Meanwhile, a voluntary evacuation warning remains in place for Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.
Evacuation Map
A map showing where evacuation orders are located can be found here.
Road closures
As of 12 p.m. Thursday, Orange County officials announced the following roads were being fully closed.
- Trabuco Road/Rose Canyon
- Plano Trabuco/Robinson
- Grey Rock/Bell Canyon
- Hot Springs Canyon/Ortega Highway
Storm brings mudslide, debris flow risks to Southern California
Across Southern California, forecasters have warned of a strong storm this week bringing risks of flooding, mudslides and debris flows throughout the region, particularly in areas burned by recent wildfires. The risk of landslides and debris flows is particularly high when heavy rain hits burn scars as the soil in such wildfire-scorched terrain can develop a top layer that repels water, potentially leading to mud and debris being carried over the landscape, according to the California Office of Emergency Services.
Emergency preparations have also been underway in other parts of Southern California burned by recent fires, including areas of Los Angeles County where the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires ripped through last month.
O.C. officials said people with disabilities and others needing additional assistance with evacuating should call the Orange County Sheriff's Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000. Other resources and information for those affected by the coming evacuation warnings in the county can be found here.
