San Bernardino County working to prepare area in Line Fire burn scar for potential flooding and mudflows

HIGHLAND, Calif. (KABC) — In Southern California, storm preparations follow large wildfires. That’s what San Bernardino crews are doing now: preparing areas in the Line Fire burn zone for potential flooding and mudflows from future storms.

The Line Fire, which started more than two months ago, is approaching 100% containment. As the wildfire subsides, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works is expanding its operations in areas affected by the fire.

In Cook Canyon above East Highland, crews are preparing an outflow pipe to catch storm runoff.

“We’re adding a trash rack at the bottom so that when any debris comes in, it will filter out and allow water to flow in and out of the canal,” said David Doublet, deputy director of the Department of Public Works. .

In a normal year, rainwater will flow down the mountain through a system of stormwater basins and canals to the valley floor.

But the burn scar can turn charred soil into rivers of dirt, rocks and trees.

“There will be a lot more erosion on the slopes that will come down with the water and into the watershed,” Doublet said. “It’s important for us to contain that debris flow, remove it and be prepared for the next storm.”

Similar work is underway across the county with public work crews cleaning and repairing flood control facilities, basins and storm drains. This year, the county has installed more cameras in key areas of the burn zone to keep a close eye on storm basins.

“That way we can see them in real time and he can assess what’s happening in our facilities and be able to respond appropriately and in a timely manner,” Doublet said.

The county says it is using technology to connect its 86 cameras and rain gauges to its dashboard, allowing them to see in real time where they need to direct resources.

As the county prepares for the first major storm, they are also asking residents to do their part.

“To be prepared, develop a plan so that they and their families are prepared,” Doublet said.

As history has shown in the aftermath of the bushfires, the concern is about the amount of rain expected.