UPDATE ON DEBRIS AND MUDFLOW IN LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE 11/13/09

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                         Contact:        Ken Kondo

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            (213) 792-5128 - C                          

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

RESIDENTS EXPERIENCE DEBRIS AND MUDFLOW ABOVE STATION FIRE BURNED AREA IN LA CANADA-FLINTRIDGE

 

LOS ANGELES (Fri., Nov. 13, 2009 – 4 p.m.) – Fire crews and residents have been bracing for mudslides even since the “Station Fire,” referred to as the largest wildfire in Los Angeles County history, ravaged and reduced the Angeles National Forest in Aug.-Sept., a debris and mudflow threat that was expected to remain intact for three to five years.

 

At approximately 11 p.m., a mudslide occurred caused by a storm cell that brought a short period of heavy rain. The mudslide affected the areas of Rock Haven Dr. and Normanton Dr. in La Canada-Flintridge. There was no evacuation order issued, but a group of residents decided on their own to voluntarily leave their homes and properties for safety and precautionary reasons.

 

The Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatched one engine and three camp crews to the incident’s impacted area. Also on hand were members from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (DPW). Throughout the morning, residents, fire and public works officials were assessing the damage caused by the mudslide.    

 

Preliminary reports from DPW officials stated there was no structural damage, and there was minor flooding damage to some properties. Department of Public Works’ crews and contractors will continue to clean the mud off the streets and most importantly start to work on clearing the debris basins.

 

This recent storm cell hit unexpectedly and caused a hillside to collapse. The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents in the “Station Fire” and other wildfire burned areas to be prepared for the unexpected events such as mudslides, mass debris movement caused by sudden rainstorms. For more information on emergency preparedness, access OEM’s Emergency Survival Program webpage at http://lacoa.org/esp.htm.

 

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