Fire officials talk potential mudslides in Bear Fire area

Another round of rain here on the Central Coast caused concerns of mudslides and flooding across the area.

A few small mud and rock slides were seen in the Santa Cruz Mountains Monday. Officials said the recent Bear Fire burn scars has officials urging caution.

With the first big rain storm of the season underway, the Santa Cruz Mountains could receive 2-4 inches or more rain by Wednesday morning.

“Intense heat can bake the soil and make it hard for water to soak into the ground causing increased risk of flooding, debris flows and downed trees,” said Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jake Hess.

Cal Fire said its well prepared if a slide should happen.

“Historically with this storm we are experiencing right now, really it takes much more of a significant storm for us to start getting concerned about the slides themselves.” Said Deputy Chief Hess.

Hess said it’s always possible for slides to happen and Cal Fire works hard to warn the public about the risks that come with rain after a large fire.

Chief Hess said, “Living in the Santa Cruz Mountains, whether it’s the winter dealing with mudslides or downed power lines, downed trees. Or in the summertime with potential vegetation fires, people should always be prepared.”

Chief Hess said there are a few ways you can be better prepared.

“We encourage people to always be ready to pack a bag and be prepared that they may need to leave in a moment’s notice, or that they might not be able to get home due to road closure,” said Chief Hess.

Longtime residents of the mountains said they’ve seen it all and they’re ready for mostly anything.

“Buy gas for the generator and use wood for heating so we are pretty prepared. You live up here for 36 years you get used to everything. It’s not like the city where the power goes off and it comes on in a half an hour, most of the time it takes 2 to 3 days where we live,” said Dan & Regina Bassler.

“Don’t move to the mountains unless you have the mountain spirit,” said Dan Bassler.

Mudslides and debris flows are not the only threats. Downed power lines and trees are certainly possible especially with winds pushing through.