In the wake of the devastating 2024 Bridge Fire, state and local counties have worked diligently to assess post-fire risks to life, property, and infrastructure in and around Wrightwood. In October, the California Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) released their report California Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) released its report on the 2024 Bridge Fire, identifying four main areas heavily impacted by the fire that presented high risks to life, safety, and property.
Three of these high-risk locations are in the Mt. Baldy area, with only one location identified in Wrightwood on Cardinal Road. According to the report, the area off Cardinal Road was particularly concerning due to its close proximity to a drainage channel.
A dozen other locations around Wrightwood were determined to have moderate risks for flooding and debris flow, including the bridges and drainage near Highway 2 at Heath Creek, Sheep Creek, and Spruce Street near Wrightwood Elementary School.
The public can read and view the full WERT report online. While the report serves as a preliminary guide, county offices and government agencies are encouraged to use its findings and conduct their own detailed evaluations to develop emergency response plans and mitigation strategies.
The San Bernardino County Flood Control District has since formed a Safety Assessment Team (SAT) to identify additional areas at risk. In December, SBC Public Works constructed K-rails around Wrightwood to minimize flooding in preparation for winter storms. The team also identified Swarthout Creek, Flume Creek, Heath Creek, and Sheep Creek as areas of concern in its control report. Caltrans has been working on maintaining these flood channels to improve drainage, focusing extensively on the Heath Creek Wash in December. Los Angeles County has also identified key areas of concern for debris and flood hazards, which can be viewed on its Public Works map. All related information and agency reports are available on the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council website under the “Bridge Fire” section.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe emphasized community preparedness in an op-ed, stating, “Under normal conditions, trees and vegetation help absorb rainfall. Wildfires, however, ‘bake’ the soil, making it hydrophobic and causing excessive runoff for up to five years until the vegetation regrows. Even moderate rainfall in burn areas can result in flash flooding, mudflows, and debris flows that endanger lives and property. […] I urge residents and businesses in the affected areas to prepare so you can protect your families and homes and reduce the risks of post-fire flooding hazards this season.”
Members of the Wrightwood community should proactively assess their properties for vulnerabilities and plan drainage systems to minimize flood damage. The Wrightwood Fire Safe Council offers consultations for debris flow mitigation, with assessments conducted by either San Bernardino County or Los Angeles County Public Works.
As the Wrightwood community has learned from the Bridge Fire, preparedness is key to minimizing risks and ensuring safety. Both local agencies and individual residents must be prepared. Below are strategies for preventing, managing, and recovering from flooding, debris flows, and erosion, as outlined in the San Bernardino County Homeowners Guide to Flood:
Before the Flood: Prevention Strategies
• Regularly maintain gutters to prevent clogs, and consider installing barriers like sandbags, wooden deflectors, or debris channels. Sandbags are available at local San Bernardino County fire stations; check the county website for details.
• Seal roofs, windows, doors, and foundations to prevent water intrusion. Stabilize soil around your home with vegetation or mulch.
• Purchase flood insurance, as standard homeowner policies typically don’t cover flood damage. Learn more at the National Flood Insurance Program website: floodsmart.gov.
During the Flood: Emergency Response
• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as food, water, and medications.
• Monitor storms closely and sign up for emergency notifications through San Bernardino County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System at https://sbcfire.org/alertwarning/ or Los Angeles County’s Alert system at https://ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/.
• If evacuation is necessary, turn off utilities to prevent hazards and use official evacuation routes. Avoid driving through floodwaters. If you cannot evacuate, stay indoors and move to higher floors or the roof until help arrives.
After the Flood: Recovery
• Once waters recede, prioritize safety when returning home. Check for hazards and structural integrity before entering.
• Document damage with photos for insurance claims.
• Have professionals inspect utilities before restoring them.
In recent years, Wrightwood has shown resilience in the face of natural disasters. To stay safe, the community must continue preparing and equipping residents with vital safety information.
Residents are encouraged to join local organizations like Wrightwood CERT, which meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:45 p.m. at the Wrightwood Community Building. They can also attend Wrightwood Fire Safe Council meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the same location. For more information on flood preparedness, visit the San Bernardino County website at burnareainfo.sbcounty.gov or the Los Angeles County website at ready.lacounty.gov/flooding.
