Mudslide Threatens Encino Homes

TARZANA, CA — More than a dozen Tarzana homes faced the risk of mudslides Monday, forcing voluntary evacuation orders. Neighbors were forced to choose between staying or fleeing after mudflow damaged one home and knocked a guest house off its foundation.

Police officers went door-to-door to alert residents to the risk.

A grading expert examined the hillside and determined no additional slide was anticipated, but because it was impossible to definitively predict any additional slide, the voluntary evacuation order was issued about 10 p.m. for the homes on Boris and Martson drives, according to Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

With rain expected later Tuesday, a geologist and grading expert will perform further evaluation at first light Tuesday, Stewart said.

A wall of mud flowed onto the property at 17986 Boris Drive about 5 p.m., Stewart said.

All three adult occupants were able to escape safely, she said.

The guest house was moved off its foundation and was red-tagged, meaning it was deemed unsafe to occupy and the main house was yellow-tagged, Stewart said.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report. Photo: Shutterstock