Evacuations Underway In Malibu Woolsey Fire Burn Areas

MALIBU, CA – Hundreds of residents living near the Woolsey Fire burn areas in Malibu were under mandatory evacuation orders due to mud and debris expected to pile up amid afternoon rains, which forecasters anticipate to be heavy.

The Woolsey Fire areas in Ventura County and in the Malibu area are regarded by weather experts as the most vulnerable of the region's burn areas. Mandatory evacuations were ordered to begin at 8 a.m. for specific properties adjacent to steep slopes or at the base of drainages in the following Malibu Woolsey Fire burn areas:

• Corral Canyon / El Nido;
• Escondido / Old Chimney;
• Escondido Drive / Latigo Canyon;
• Malibu West / Trancas Canyon;
• Malibu Lake;
• All of Ramirez Canyon Road and adjacent streets; and the
• Paradise Cove Mobile Home Park and Restaurant.

Evacuation centers are open at the following locations beginning Tueday at 8:00 a.m.:

• Santa Monica High School – South Gym601 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405
• Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center – 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Agoura, CA 91301
• For more information, please contact the American Red Cross at (800) RED CROSS.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department emphasized the risks in a statement.

"Authorities warn that all residents who live in or near the Woolsey Fire burn area should remain aware of their surroundings and weather conditions during these storms. Even small amounts of rainfall rates may result in significant mud and debris flow, so we strongly encourage residents who live in or near Woolsey Fire burn areas to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice," said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Darren Harris.

"If you feel unsafe or think that hazardous conditions near your home may develop, do not hesitate to leave. Elderly residents, individuals who have medical conditions and residents who own large animals should make plans now to leave their homes as a precaution.'

Los Angeles County public safety officials said communities in low- lying areas or next to steep slopes or waterways are particularly at-risk of falling debris and mud flow.

Residents living in homes with limited roadway access or that can become isolated for an extended period due to the storm should consider leaving before storms arrive, and homes or neighborhoods with gates should consider leaving them open to avoid being trapped due to mud flow accumulation; even one- inch of mud can restrict gate operations.

"If your property becomes unsafe and there is no time to evacuate, seek safe high-ground," urged the sheriff department statement. It added:

"Since all canyon roads may be blocked and subject to closure for extended periods, residents should have enough food, water, medication and supplies for at least seven to 10 days for all family members, including pets and large animals."

In Sacramento, state Sen. Henry Stern Tuesday joined the chorus of warnings.

"Our most vulnerable areas burned by the Woolsey Fire in November will be hit with a deluge today," Stern said. "So I urge all residents ordered to evacuate to do just that."

Evacuation Precautions

All Woolsey Fire burn areas continue to be subject to possible evacuations. Per LASD, county public safety authorities are issuing these additional precautions:

• Communities in low-lying areas or next to steep slopes or waterways are particularly at-risk of falling debris and mud flow.
• Residents living in homes with limited roadway access or that can become isolated for an extended period due to the storm should consider leaving before storms arrive.
• Homes or neighborhoods with gates should consider leaving them open to avoid being trapped due to mud flow accumulation; even one-inch of mud can restrict gate operations.
• If your property becomes unsafe and there is no time to evacuate, seek safe high- ground.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water.
• Since all canyon roads may be blocked and subject to closure for extended periods, residents should have enough food, water, medication and supplies for at least 7 to 10 days for all family members, including pets and large animals.

Animal Evacuations:

• Large Animals can be taken to Pierce College located at 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, starting at 8 a.m.
• Small animals may be taken to the Agoura Animal Care Center located at 29525 Agoura Road. The Animal Safe Trailer at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center located at 270140 Malibu Hills Road in Agoura is also accepting small animals. The Red Cross Shelter at Santa Monica High School will accept small animals in crates or cages. For more information, call the City of Malibu at 310-456-2489.

For additional resources and evacuation information visit lacounty.gov/LARain and follow #LARain and #WoolseyFire on social media.

Along the coast, a high surf advisory will be in force until 8 p.m. Friday.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock