Mandatory Evacuation Order In OC Canyon Communities Due To Heavy Rains

TRABUCO CANYON, CA — An optional evacuation order was updated to mandatory Thursday afternoon for Orange County canyon communities near the Airport Fire burn scar.

The order was issued at noon Thursday, Feb. 13, and applies to the following communities: Trabuco Canyon, Bell Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon.

The evacuation order comes as heavy rains pound the region, increasing the possibility for debris flows and mudslides.

Residents living in the mentioned areas were urged to evacuate. According to authorities, the evacuation order will be in effect until 4 a.m. Friday.

An optional evacuation warning remains in place for Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon, authorities said.

Evacuating residents with disabilities requiring assistance were told to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Any person needing assistance with information about animal or large animal evacuations should call Orange County Animal Care at 714-935-6848 during normal hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 714-259-1122 during after-hours from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.

For the most current evacuation orders, visit the county's website.