San Bernardino County crews ramp up flood-protection efforts

As winter nears, the San Bernardino County Public Works Department is intensifying work to prevent flood damage in areas affected by the recent Bridge and Line fires.

The wildfires have scorched nearly 99,000 acres and left areas susceptible to flooding, prompting the department to do flood mitigation work. The 54,878-acre Bridge Fire began in Los Angeles County’s San Gabriel Canyon and spread eastward into San Bernardino County.

The Flood Control District, which is part of San Bernardino County Public Works, has been coordinating with Cal Fire, the Burned Area Emergency Response team and California Watershed Emergency Response Teams to establish a plan for preparing for future floods and debris flows in the fire-affected areas.

Public Works crews have been clearing debris, vegetation and sediment from basins, channels and storm drains to prevent blockages that could lead to flooding, according to a county statement. Flood control teams are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week as storms approach, and readied equipment has been placed throughout the county for fast deployment.

To enhance flood risk monitoring, the Flood Control District has installed 26 additional flood-control cameras, bringing the county’s total to 86, officials said. These cameras provide real-time video of areas at risk of flooding, which enables the immediate detection of rising water levels and possible hazards. A dashboard provides real-time data from these cameras as well as rain gauges to track rainfall and flood conditions.

“This internal system is crucial for maintaining situational awareness before and during storms,” according to the county statement.

The county’s Flood Area Safety Taskforce — comprised of emergency responders and weather experts who provide real-time updates and coordinate responses as storms approach — also regularly assembles to evaluate conditions and determine if action is required, officials said.

“This is not just about being prepared — it’s about protecting the people we serve,” San Bernardino County Public Works Director Noel Castillo said in a statement. “The department’s coordinated efforts and increased readiness ensure county teams can respond effectively to any challenges posed by winter storms.”

Officials encouraged residents to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect themselves. Information on flood preparedness is at prepare.sbcounty.gov.

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