Fire officials prepare ahead of possible heavy rain Sunday into Monday

PASADENA, Calif. - Fire officials throughout Southern California are preparing as forecasters predict a storm system will bring gusty winds and significant rainfall Sunday into Monday. 

"Here in Southern California, we really don't expect a whole lot of rain usually but this weekend, forecasters are letting us know expect some significant rain starting Sunday evening into Monday," said Jonathan Matheny, the Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Forecasters predict potential mudslides and debris flow in and near the Alisal burn scar area in Santa Barbara County. There is less concern for older burn scars. 

"We've been very fortunate this summer and early fall because we just haven't had a whole lot in the way of large brush fires here in Los Angeles County, and because of that, we don't have a whole lot of burn scars, especially in the residential areas. There is always a chance for mudslides because we have a lot of topography, a lot of hills and valleys in the Los Angeles region though," said Matheny. 

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Some fire departments including stations in Pasadena are offering sandbags for residents ahead of the storm. 

"We are really encouraging everybody to prepare their property. If they have retaining walls, make sure those walls are in good shape, look at their roofs because if they have a damaged roof, it will likely leak," said Matheny. 

Orange County fire officials said they would prepare resources for residents this weekend as well. 

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