A powerful storm moving into Southern California has triggered evacuation orders and warnings for residents near the burn scar of the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.
Why Are Evacuations Being Ordered?
The storm’s heavy rainfall increases the risk of mudslides and debris flows in burn areas, where the lack of vegetation prevents soil from absorbing water.
The evacuation warnings began at 6 p.m. Wednesday and were upgraded to mandatory evacuation orders Thursday afternoon for parts of Highland, CA.
Evacuation Orders & Warnings
San Bernardino County
Mandatory Evacuations in Highland
- South of Greenspot Road (between Church Street and Merris Street)
- From Church Street east to the foothills (north of Highland Avenue)
- From Weaver Street east to the Iron Bridge (north of Greenspot Road)
Evacuation Warnings
- Wrightwood
- Mt. Baldy
Other Affected Counties
Los Angeles & Orange Counties
- Evacuation warnings issued for burn scar communities.
Riverside County
- No evacuation orders yet, but flash flood preparations are underway.
Flash Flood Watch in Effect
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for San Bernardino County from 10 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday.
Areas most at risk include:
- Burn scars from recent wildfires, including the Line Fire burn area
- Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside County foothills
Background: The Line Fire (September 2024)
- The Line Fire burned nearly 44,000 acres in the San Bernardino Mountains before being contained.
- Caused by arson, the fire destroyed several structures but caused no fatalities.
- More than 9,200 homes were previously evacuated during the wildfire.
Safety Measures & Emergency Response
- Road closures & flood barriers in high-risk areas
- Fire and rescue teams on standby for mudslides and flooding
- Residents advised to monitor emergency alerts and prepare for potential evacuations
As heavy rain and potential flooding threaten burn scar communities, residents in Highland, Wrightwood, and Mt. Baldy should be prepared to evacuate immediately. Authorities are closely monitoring conditions and may extend evacuation orders as the storm progresses.
