Public Information Map
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.
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
- Long Canyon
- Modjeska Canyon
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.
- 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.
