A mandatory evacuation order was issued Tuesday morning for the Airport Fire burn scar area in Orange County as a major storm prompted fears of possible mudflows and flash flooding.
The order went into effect at 10 a.m. for Trabuco Creek, Bell and Hot Springs Canyons due to possible debris flows, according to ocgov.com. The mandatory evacuation zone included the RC Airport, fire station, campground/park and school; Starr Ranch; and Hot Springs Canyon including Lazy-W Ranch.
Meanwhile, Modjeska and Long canyons remained under voluntary evacuation warnings.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the burn scar area from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. as a major storm marched across the region.
Anyone with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance were urged to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at (714) 647-7000.
To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center at (714) 955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.
OC Animal Care at 1630 Victory Road in Tustin was accepting dogs, cats and other small pets for people under evacuation orders. A large animal shelter was established at the Orange County Fair Grounds, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.
Trabuco Canyon’s O’Neill Regional Park was also closed due to the storm.