San Bernardino County works to prepare area in Line Fire burn scar for possible flooding, mudslides – ABC7 Los Angeles

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’s burn scar for possible flooding and mudslides from future storms.

The Line Fire, which ignited more than two months ago, is nearing 100 percent containment. As the wildfire subsides, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works is scaling up its operations in areas affected by the fire.

In Cook Canyon above the East Highlands, crews are preparing an outlet pipe to receive storm runoff.

“We’re adding a trash rack to the bottom of it, so when any debris flow does come in, it’s filtered and allows the water to flow through and out of the canal,” said David Doublett, assistant director of the public works department.

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

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

“There’s going to be a lot more erosion from the slopes going down with the water and going into the basin,” Doublett said. “It’s important for us to contain that debris flow, get it out and be ready for the next storm.”

Similar work is being done throughout the county with public works crews clearing and repairing flood control facilities, basins and drainage channels. This year, the county has installed more cameras in key areas of the burn scar to closely monitor storm basins.

“That way, we can look at them in real time, and he can assess what’s going on in our facilities and be able to respond properly and in a timely manner,” Doublett said.

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

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

“To be prepared, develop a plan for yourself and your family to be prepared,” Doublett said.

As post-wildfire history shows, concern turns to the amount of precipitation in the forecast.