Monterey County residents near burn scars face evacuation

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Monterey County residents living near the Dolan, River, and Carmel Fire burn scars are facing evacuation ahead of a storm expected Tuesday night.

Evacautions shifted from warnging to orders tonight. Officials say the evacuation orders acriis burn scar areas in Monterey County should be

SOT: Commander Derrel Simpson
“A quarter-inch of rain in 15 minutes can cause a mudslide,” said Commander Derrel Simspon. “We’re expecting 8 to 10 inches of rain throughout this storm and there's just no way to tell which part of the burn scar is going to slide and which ones are not.”

The sheriff's office said they're concerned with the danger this storm will bring. The mudslides can close roads and will make it harder for people to evacuate last minute. Commander Simpson also said it's not the same as the fires we had.

“A mudslide is just too unpredictable and once the slide start occurring,” said Commander Simpson. “It’s too late not only is it too late but it’s going to be too late for rescue crews to come in and help you."

According to the Office of Emergency Services, they’ve been working the last couple of months to bolster the protection of these areas as best as they can. The director, Gerry Malic said he encourages residents to stay informed.

“They should be monitoring our OES webpage because it has the most current information as it happens including if they have any evacuation centers open.”

The evacuation centers available are Toro Park School, Chualar Union Elementary, and Carmel Valley Library.