DWR Takes Action to Support Recovery and Fire Mitigation Efforts in Los Angeles

In response to recent wildfires that have posed a major threat to Southern California residents and its watersheds, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is working closely with the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), the California Conservation Corps (CCC), Los Angeles County, and other state, local, and federal partners to assist with fire and watershed mitigation work in local communities.

After wildfires, rainfall in burn areas can significantly increase the risk of flash flooding, mudflows and debris flows to the communities and homes downslope. As the lead state agency for flood emergency response, DWR has taken steps to prepare for the possibility of flood impacts in burn scar areas. DWR already has 11 locations across the LA region with pre-positioned flood fight materials, including over 250,000 sandbags and other equipment. Additionally, DWR is working with CalOES to determine other locations to store flood fight materials as well as materials needed to protect local watersheds.

DWR has deployed over 30 watershed experts and engineers to the LA region to support fire mitigation work in burn scar areas and protect downstream communities. This helps prepare the region for any potential precipitation it might receive this winter. DWR is also working with over 400 CCC members to assess damaged sites, determine what is needed for watershed protection, and direct crews in placing materials to reduce erosion and protect waterways.

In addition to this work, DWR has invested over $53.7 million in flood projects over the past decade in the LA basin. This includes:

• $39 million in flood control investments through the Flood Control Subventions fund for several projects to protect LA County residents.
• $3.1 million invested through DWR’s Coastal Watershed Flood Risk Reduction program to enhance flood infrastructure for the Santa Clara River, a river flowing through Ventura and LA County, protecting nearly 6,400 residents as well as critical public infrastructure.
• $10.74 million awarded to LA and Orange County through DWR’s Floodplain Management, Protection and Risk Awareness program.
• $15.1 million awarded through DWR’s Local Levee Assistance program to bolster critical levee projects.

Along with being the lead state agency for flood emergency response, DWR is the lead state agency for flood forecasting, working in partnership with the National Weather Service through the California Nevada River Forecast Center. DWR continues to work closely with our partners at the National Weather Service to monitor forecasts and make sure emergency workers and responders are prepared for any incoming weather this winter.

Through efforts on the ground and in collaboration with state and federal partners, DWR is supporting recovery efforts from the wildfires in Southern California while also ensuring that local communities and their watersheds stay safe and prepared for the future.