COLFAX, Calif. — Northern California is preparing for some stronger storms this weekend and in recent wildfire burn areas, the risk of debris flow and rock slides can be high during heavy rainfall.
In Placer County near Colfax, where the River Fire burned about 2,600 acres in August, crews are assessing the area in preparation for the potential storm.
"Obviously, the rain is very welcome, right? We've had a long period of no rain or very little rain, right? Unfortunately, it's a pretty devastating fire season here in California, so obviously the rain is incredibly welcome, but of course, that change in the weather always brings with it some challenges for folks," David Atkinson, the assistant director of emergency services for Placer County, said.
Atkinson said crews from the county, Department of Water Resources and the California Conservation Corp are out today and potentially tomorrow assessing the burn area of the River Fire.
Crews are placing straw wattles and silt fences to prevent debris runoff as well as erosion.
"You'll see [straw wattles] quite often and that's used to filter water, so if we do get heavy rain, it might carry some of that fire ash and so that straw just filters that and keeps the ash from getting into the waterways," Atkinson said.
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Bear River and the Bear River Canal near Colfax are used for drinking water, according to Atkinson. So, the county is carefully watching these burn areas to prevent sediment runoff and debris.
Atkinson said a smaller burn area the county is also watching is the Bridge Fire in Auburn near the Foresthill Bridge.
For residents in Placer County, Atkinson said the best thing to do is to prepare by checking the weather. If people are planning to travel, he said it's important to understand the area and be aware of any potential hazards.
"We are expecting a pretty good storm potentially this weekend, so just want to encourage people to take the time now to get prepared," Atkinson said. "Make sure that your devices are charged up — you never know, with the rain and the wind coming, there's always a potential for power outages and things like that."
Atkinson said it's a good idea to keep food, water, blankets and a way to communicate in your car in case of an emergency.
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