10/23/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2026
Contact Information:
Leah Sautelet, OES Manager
[email protected]
LUCAS FIRE BURNED AREA RISK OF FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS DURING WINTER STORMS
Residents in and downstream of the burned area encouraged to prepare before rainfall arrives
LAKE COUNTY, CA – The Lake County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services (OES) is encouraging residents in and downstream of areas affected by the September 2026 Lucas Fire, including the Elk Mountain and Bachelor Valley areas near Upper Lake, to prepare for an increased risk of flooding and debris flows as winter approaches.
Although the wildfire response has concluded, the burned landscape may remain vulnerable to additional hazards. Wildfire can remove vegetation and change soil conditions, reducing the ground's ability to absorb rainfall. During storms, water can move rapidly across burned slopes, carrying mud, rocks, trees, and other debris into drainage channels, across roads, and toward properties below.
These hazards are not limited to traditional flood-prone areas. Residents living on or below hillsides, near drainage channels, or downstream of burned areas may be at risk even if their property has never experienced flooding.
What Residents Should Do Now
Residents are encouraged to take steps now to prepare for potential flooding and debris flows before winter storms arrive.
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Stay Informed:
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Register for or update your information with LakeCoAlerts
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Know Your Zone and how to check its status
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Monitor National Weather Service forecasts, watches, and warnings. Remember that heavy rainfall uphill or upstream can create hazardous conditions even when rainfall at your location is relatively light.
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Prepare Your Property: Inspect and maintain gutters, drainage ditches, culverts, and other drainage features on your property. Remove accumulated debris where it is safe to do so.
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Understand Your Risk: Be aware of nearby slopes, drainage channels, and areas where water, mud, or debris could travel toward your home or affect access roads. Hazards may extend beyond the burned area.
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Have a Plan: Identify alternate routes, prepare essential supplies, and know when and how you would leave if conditions become unsafe. Be prepared to act quickly if an evacuation warning or order is issued.
Visit Ready.LakeCountyCA.gov for these preparedness steps and additional resources. Lucas Fire specific information can be found under the Respond tab.
Post-Fire Hazard Assessment
A Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) evaluated potential flooding and debris flow hazards associated with the Lucas Fire. The assessment identifies areas of potential concern and provides recommendations to help reduce risks to life and property.
Residents are encouraged to review the findings once available through the California Geological Survey's Recent Burned Watershed Hazard Assessments page.
Rainfall Monitoring and Early Warnings
Following the WERT evaluation, the National Weather Service (NWS) will use the following rainfall thresholds to guide the issuance of watches and warnings for potential flooding and debris flows in areas affected by the Lucas Fire during the first year following the fire:
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0.3 inches of rainfall in 15 minutes
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0.5 inches of rainfall in 30 minutes
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0.7 inches of rainfall in 60 minutes
These relatively small amounts of rainfall over short periods can create hazardous conditions in recently burned areas. Residents may receive watches or warnings for rainfall amounts that would not ordinarily seem concerning.
A watch indicates conditions are favorable for a hazard to develop, while a warning indicates a hazard is occurring or imminent. Residents should pay close attention to NWS messaging and be prepared to take protective action when necessary.
Local Government Coordination and Monitoring
The Lake County Department of Public Works is reviewing the evaluation report to identify and address concerns involving County-maintained roads and drainage infrastructure.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office OES will continue to coordinate with National Weather Service, California Geological Survey, County departments and other stakeholders. Should new information become available, updates will be posted at Response.LakeCountyCA.gov >> Lucas Fire under Current Information.
