County declares public emergency following flooding, mudslides

On Thursday, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve an emergency proclamation to seek state and federal resources for the flooding and mudslides that occurred on Monday and Tuesday in the El Dorado/Apple Fire burn scar areas.

Remnants of Hurricane Kaye produced up to 2.4 inches of rain within an hour over the communities of Oak Glen and Forest Falls killing 1 person and destroying at least 30 homes, impacting more than 3,000 residents.

San Bernardino County Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team located a deceased female buried under several feet of mud, rocks, and debris in Forest Falls. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department positively identified the deceased as Doris Jagiello.

Jagiello was first unaccounted for following the significant rainstorm on Monday, September 12, 2022.  The powerful storm resulted in debris flows rushing down the natural drainages and creek beds in Forest Falls. As a large debris flow consisting of mud and extremely large boulders raced downhill, it overran Jagiello’s property and impacted her home causing significant structural damage and carrying away everything in its path.

“My heart goes out to the communities of Oak Glen, Forest Falls and Crestline,” said Vice Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “ We are going to do everything we can to assist the communities to recover from the disaster.”

A public safety exclusion area remains in place for Prospect Road and Canyon Road in Forest Falls.

The County continues to evaluate the damage and has opened a hotline for residents impacted by the flooding. Residents can call (909) 356-2563 from 8 am. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for resources and information.