San Bernardino County Public Works, during a recent interview with ABC Channel 7 news, outlined its intensified efforts to protect communities following the nearly-contained Line fire. At the fire’s base, crews have installed a trash rack to filter debris, allowing water to flow safely during storms. In Cook Canyon, teams are also setting up an outlet pipe to handle anticipated runoff and erosion from fire-damaged slopes.
It’s critical for us to capture debris flow, remove it and prepare for the next storm,” explains Assistant Director of Public Works David Doublet, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance to protect the community.
Across the county, teams are actively clearing and repairing flood control facilities, storm drains and basins. In addition to these physical measures, the county has expanded its surveillance capabilities, installing more cameras in key areas within the burn scar. Currently, 86 cameras and rain gauges feed data to a central dashboard, allowing officials to monitor conditions in real time, providing a level of preparedness they lacked in 2010 when a sudden mudslide caused significant damage to homes in East Highland.
As the county prepares for the first major winter storms, Public Works is urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their properties and families. Residents can access resources on the county website for detailed information on flood and debris flow preparedness, helping ensure community-wide safety during the upcoming season.
For more information, please visit the county’s flood preparedness page at prepare.sbcounty.gov.