Public Information Map
Please utilize the interactive mapping above to familiarize yourself with potential evacuation areas and the resources below to learn more on how you can prepare.
How to prepare for storms in fire burned areas
How to prepare for storms in fire burned areas
Locations downhill and downstream from burned areas like the recent 2024 Airport Fire are highly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows, especially near steep terrain, creek and bridge crossings. Post-fire debris flows are particularly hazardous because they can occur with little warning, can exert great impulsive loads on objects in their paths, and can strip vegetation, block drainage ways, damage structures, and endanger human life. The powerful force of rushing water, soil, and rock, both within the burned area and downstream, can destroy culverts, bridges, roadways, and structures, and can cause injury or death if care is not taken. Subject matter experts from the federally led Burned Area Response (BAER) Team and state led Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) have identified areas around the airport fire burn scar that pose a potential for debris flows during storm event. Local officials will be issuing Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders for these areas during storm events.
Storms can quickly develop and can cause flash flooding and debris flows with little or no warning though. Officials may only be able to alert the public with just a few minutes notice, or none at all. It is imperative that you understand the seriousness of the situation and are always prepared.
Please utilize the interactive mapping above to familiarize yourself with potential evacuations areas and the resources below to learn more on how you can prepare.
November 2025 Update
Local public safety officials, in consultation with subject matter experts from the California Geological Survey (CGS) and the state's Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT), evaluate the Airport Fire burn scar's recovery progress on an annual basis to assess the current risk to the community and to make any needed changes to planned protective actions. This year's review reached the following conclusions:
Modjeska Canyon and Long Canyon will be removed from the Evacuation Plan due to vegetation recovery in high-risk locations identified in the WERT Report. However, the threat of minor to moderate debris or mud flows remains and residents should remain vigilant.
Evacuation planning for future Flash Flood Watches and Warnings will continue to include Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs Canyon.
The decision to issue evacuations is never taken lightly and is considered only in situations where lives are in extreme peril. Orange County public safety officials will always put the safety of the public and first responders first.
For emergency information during an active event, click here.
Projected Evacuation Areas:
- Trabuco Creek including the Holy Jim area, RC Airport, campground and elementary school.
- Bell Canyon including Starr Ranch
- Hot Springs Canyon including Lazy-W Ranch Camp
What to do before the storm
- Prepare your home - If you know you are in known flood area or your home is identified as value at risk in the Watershed Emergency Response Team report you should act now to protect your home. Review OC Public Works Post-Burn Preparedness webpage for suggested methods on how you protect your home.
- Make a Plan - Make a personal or family evacuation plan so know what to do should evacuations be issued. To learn about how to make a plan visit ReadyOC.org/make-a-plan.
- Stay Informed - Follow official government agency webpages/social media and sign up for AlertOC.org to receive detailed alert messages should evacuations be issued. Stay informed of local forecast and be aware when heavy rain is predicated.
- Be ready to go - When evacuations warnings or orders are issued act immediately. Don’t wait.
Resource Links and Documents
Airport Fire Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) Report
Airport Fire Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) Report
Homeowners’ Guide for Post-Fire Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control
Large Animal Evacuation Planning
FEMA Flood after the Fire
Social Media Resources
- Orange County Public Works
- Orange County Fire Authority
- Orange County Sheriff's Department
- Cleveland National Forest
- National Weather Service - San Diego Office
For emergency information during an active event, click here.
