Rain could cause serious mudslides

Not even a week after the Freeway Complex fire burned thousands of acres in northern Orange County and surrounding areas, city officials warned residents Friday that neighborhoods near the burned hillsides are at risk of serious mudslides.

The fire, which destroyed 118 Yorba Linda homes, burned off nearly all of the vegetation on the hillsides north of the city and into Chino Hills State Park, officials said.

If the rain predicted for next week is heavy, it could cause water, mud, boulders and other debris to course down into residential areas.

“While our city is already in the process of cleaning up, we must address another critical issue immediately,” said Yorba Linda Mayor Jim Winder.

“These mudflows may result in significant property damage and even life-threatening emergencies.”

Winder warned residents to be prepared to evacuate if the rains are heavy.

Residents should put sandbags around their property, Winder said; the city will distribute free sandbags to residents.

Volunteers will begin moving sandbags to the burned areas today, and city employees will install concrete barriers around the city to redirect any mudflows.

-- My-Thuan Tran