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Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) effective March 12 at 10AM

Effective Wednesday, March 12 at 10 am, an Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) for the Airport Fire burn area has been issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department due to potential flooding and debris flows. The voluntary evacuation is for residents located within Trabuco Creek including the RC Airport, campground, and school, Bell Canyon including Starr Ranch, Hot Springs Canyon including Lazy-W Ranch, Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon areas.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the burn scar area for Wednesday, March 12 at 10 pm through Thursday, March 13 at 6 pm for the expected rain event.

Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to prepare and voluntarily evacuate on Wednesday, March 12 at 10 am, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs, and canyon residents with large animals. The public is warned that heavy rain, subsequent flooding and debris flows are possible. Evacuation routes can quickly become impassable due to mud, debris or flooding.

Residents with large animals should follow their personal plans to move their animals before the rainfall arrives.

Any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring assistance in evacuating should call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at (714-647-7000).

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center at 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

Evacuation Areas
  • Trabuco Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY – as of March 12 at 10 am)
  • Hot Springs Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY – as of March 12 at 10 am)
  • Bell Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY – as of March 12 at 10 am)
  • Long Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY – as of March 12 at 10 am)
  • Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY – as of March 12 at 10 am)
Road Closures

While Trabuco Canyon Road at Trabuco Creek is open for public use at this time, there is potential for a road closure at that location as a public safety measure if conditions worsen.

Sheltering

Residents living in the evacuation areas are encouraged to leave early and plan for alternate shelter with friends, family or at a local hotel outside of the evacuation area. Depending on conditions, the Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) may transition to Evacuation Order (Mandatory) with little or no notice, so residents leaving the area are encouraged to plan accordingly.

In coordination with the Orange County Social Services Agency, Orange County Public Libraries and the American Red Cross will open a congregate (dormitory style) shelter location for evacuated residents of the Canyons at 10 am on Wednesday, March 12. The shelter will be located at the Foothill Ranch Library Program Annex, which is directly adjacent to the Foothill Ranch Library located at 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610.

Orange County Public Works, Orange County Animal Care, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are working in Unified Command.

Public Information Map

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Airport Fire Debris Flow Planning

Click here to access the Airport Fire Debris Flow resources webpage.

Hi-Lo Siren

Some of the Sheriff's Department's patrol units are now equipped with a new siren feature to alert residents to evacuation orders during emergencies, such as a fire or flood. The system also is equipped with an external PA system that can play recorded messages to notify residents about the need to evacuate.

Our priority during any emergency is your safety, and this new tool will help bolster our response efforts during mass evacuations. Remember: When you hear hi-lo, it's time to go!

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