SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- While the visible reminders of local wildfires may be gone, San Diego fire officials say what’s left over can still cause a lot of problems especially as the region expects to get rain this weekend.
After an intense wildfire happens, the burned vegetation and charred soil forms a water repellant layer that blocks water absorption -- which means the next time it rains, there’s potential for flooding.
Cal Fire wants to remind residents to prepare before the rain arrives.
Thomas Shoots, a spokesperson for Cal Fire, said, “Anyone near the Valley Fire needs to be prepared for any type of debris or mud flows. They need to have sandbags and the area around their home prepped so that everything looks OK.”
In September, the county gave residents free supplies to make sandbags so people could begin their preps for the rainy season.
County information on free sandbag availability can be found here.
The City of San Diego is also offering sandbags for residents. They’ll be giving them out at select locations on Friday from 1 p.m.-7 p.m., and this weekend from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Click here for information on city sandbag availability.
Anyone who picks up sandbags is asked to wear a mask and have an ID ready.
