With the recent heavy downpours and flooding CAL FIRE’s firefighters and crews have responded to a large number of storm-related emergencies and rescues. In fact between Saturday, December 18 and Tuesday December 20, CAL FIRE dispatched and responded to nearly 4,000 emergencies and calls for service statewide including:

Over 450 Traffic collisions
Over 100 Flooding incidents
Over 20 Water Rescues

In the past few days, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego have been some of the hardest hit counties by the heavy downpours. This morning alone, CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire Department responded to over a dozen additional water rescues and over 50 new flooding incidents. In San Bernardino, CAL FIRE / City of Highland Fire Department have been busy with major flooding and mudslides in southeast Highland.

As heavy rainfall continues in many parts of the state, CAL FIRE engine companies, fire crews, and personnel continue to be on high alert for additional flooding calls and rescues. CAL FIRE’s inmate fire crews often play a large role in flooding incidents since they are also trained in sandbagging and debris removal. Each crew consists of 15-17 inmates that are supervised by a CAL FIRE Captain. CAL FIRE has 196 inmate fire crews across the state.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving on flooded roadways and obey road closure barricades. These are in place for driver safety and the safety of emergency responders. Prior to traveling, motorists are encouraged to check on current weather and road conditions.

For more information on flooding and winter weather safety visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov.