by Kaelyn Floyd
On Wednesday, March 21, 2018, Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger held a press conference along with Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Chief Deputy David R. Richardson Jr. and Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell. The press conference was held at the Hansen Dam Recreation Center to discuss safety preparedness, and planned evacuations in the Creek Fire burn areas due to the anticipated rain storm.
Residents in areas prone to floods and mudslides were encouraged to prepare for any possible natural disasters from the storm. LACoFD took proactive measures to prepare for the storm, giving away free sandbags at fire stations and placing voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders that were eventually cancelled Wednesday evening after a thorough evaluation of the Creek and La Tuna burn areas.
As of Friday morning, March 23, there were no evacuation orders in the City or County of Los Angeles. Residents should remain alert as there is still potential for mudslides and debris flow. City and county first responders will continue to assess the Creek, La Tuna Canyon and Skirball burn areas over the weekend.