Heavy rains from the storm that hit Southern California on Monday sent mud and debris flow through the El Dorado burn scar in Oak Glen. Potato Canyon road was impassible Monday evening as rescue crews from Cal Fire and the San Bernardino County Fire department fanned out in the area to make sure all residents were okay.
At least twenty five homes were cut off and residents had to shelter in place while crews used heavy equipment to clear the mud from the road. An evacuation order was issued for the area, but by 8pm, the storm had subsided and flooding was no longer a threat. Residents in the area are being warned to prepare for the next storm and be ready to evacuate when needed. The El Dorado fire burned through the area in September 2020. An evacuation order was also issued for the area earlier this year ahead of approaching storms.
The county is continuing flood mitigation efforts by erecting new k-rail and removing trees and rocks that could block nearby creeks.
“On Monday, the atmospheric river that moved through San Bernardino brought heavy rain and provided a real-world test of the hard work from our flood mitigation taskforce,” said Fire Chief Dan Munsey. “Their efforts were successful in protecting the community of Oak Glen from any major damage or loss of life. We are proud to serve alongside our cooperators in San Bernardino County to defend our residents and their property.”
