Lizzie Fire Burn Scar Information

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What is the Lizzie Fire burn scar?

What is the City doing?

What should you be doing?

Watershed Emergency Response Team Lizzie Fire Report

Lizzie Fire Burn Scar

What is the Lizzie Fire Burn Scar?

After the Lizzie Fire was extinguished it left behind a burn scar, which is a large expanse of land that has been charred and left barren. The intense heat from a wildfire often destroys plants and trees. Without vegetation, the soil’s ability to hold the together can be reduced, creating an increased risk of erosion and landslides, especially during heavy rainfall.

What the City is Doing?

City staff are actively assessing and addressing the possible risks associated with flooding or debris flows from the Lizzie Fire burn scars. Some of the follow activities and actions include:

A State Watershed Emergency Response Team was activated to assess potential for flooding or debris flow concerns. The report based on their assessment and analysis is now available and can be viewed here.
Proactively clearing drainages and drainage inlets of vegetation or debris, and removing all dead and downed trees and vegetation from the stream channel to improve water flow, and alleviate the potential for debris to mobilize and clog drain inlets further downstream.
Worked with a professional arborist and tree service company to assess trees that were burned or damaged (primarily eucalyptus trees). Actions are now being taken based on their recommendations.
Closely monitoring for issues or impacts including adding drainages to the City’s hot spot mapping and storm patrol monitoring during rain events.

What you should be doing?

While the likelihood of damaging flood flows is generally considered low, there are important steps you should take if you live below the burn scar of the Lizzie Fire, especially if you live near or adjacent to a creek or drainage:

Be Winter Weather Ready. Water has caused a significant amount of expensive property damage in San Luis Obispo. We have prepared this handy guide for you. It tells you lots of things you need to know to get ready for winter weather - before the rains come down. Get the guide and other resources at www.slocity.org/StormPrep.
Monitor weather forecasts. Large quantities or high-intensity rain could cause flooding or debris flows. The WERT Report identifies the rain thresholds that would prompt the National Weather Service to issue flood or debris flow watches and warnings.
Secure sandbags to protect your property. See sandbag filling locations.
Quickly report any issues or concerns to the City.
- Non-Emergencies
  - www.slocity.org/ask
  - AskSLO App
  - Non-emergency 24/7 dispatch line: 805-781-7312
- Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1
Plan to evacuate. While we don’t anticipate evacuations to be necessary, it’s important to be ready to evacuate if needed. Create a go-bag or emergency supply kit with essential items. We recommend considering the 6 “P’s” when evacuating:
- People and Pets
- Papers, including phone numbers and important documents.
- Prescriptions, including vitamins and eyeglasses.
- Pictures, and other irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal Computer, including storage hard drives.
- Plastic (credit cards and cash)

FAQ Box

What is Winter Weather Preparedness?

For more information on preparing for the winter storms and protecting your property visit our Get Ready SLO pages!
Where can I find more flood information?

For information about winter preparedness or protecting your property from flooding, visit our Get Ready SLO pages or call Public Works at 781-7200 for more information.
Does the City have a map showing flood zones?

Yes! We have an interactive map on our Get Ready SLO pages where you can select the type of information you'd like to see or call Public Works at 781-7200 for more information.

If you are interested in Flood Zones, Flood Insurance, or developing in a flood zone contact Development Review at 781-7015.
What is the schedule for creek and storm drain maintenance?

The City inspects the major creeks and minor waterways each year before the rainy season. That way, work can be performed each year before the rains come down.
Who is responsible for creek maintenance?

It depends. The creeks through the city are mostly on private property, so each individual owner has a responsibility to make sure the creek is not obstructed with growth or debris. However, the City has identified certain locations that regularly cause problems and has taken on the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining them.
How can I get information on creeks in general?

You should contact the Development Review Division by calling 781-7015.
How can I find out what creek improvements are planned?

We are working on an online project list, but in the meantime please contact the Public Works Engineering Division by calling 781-7200.
How can I find out more on preparing for the winter storms?

Please visit our Get Ready SLO pages for information on winter weather and flood preparedness.
What does our local floodplain consist of?

There are four major streams - and numerous minor waterways - which cause flooding in San Luis Obispo. The four major streams are San Luis Obispo Creek, Stenner Creek, Old Garden Creek and Prefumo Creek. Memorize these names and where they are. Impress your friends at your next party.
How long does a flood usually last?

Flooding can last from 30 minutes to several hours - not too long, normally. There's a catch, though: Flooding can occur with little or no warning, and even short-lived floods can do serious damage. In fact, any flooding situation usually causes some damage. During past storms (most recently in 1994), many of these usually calm waterways overflowed, flooding nearby businesses and homes.

You may be lucky. Your property may be high enough that it was not flooded recently. But that doesn't mean you should rest on your laurels. If you are in a floodplain, the odds are that someday your property will suffer some sort of damage.
Do I live in a flood zone?

To find out if your property might be located within one of the flood zones, see the Flood Map or feel free to give us a call for more specific information at 781-7201.
How will I know if there is a flood danger during a storm?

"For the next 60 seconds, this station will conduct a test of the Emergency Broadcast System...Bzzzz. Beeeeep." Yes, it's annoying. But it's essential during a flood situation. In coordination with the local Office of Emergency Services, the County of San Luis Obispo and the National Weather Service issue emergency flood warnings through the local radio and television stations. Learn which stations they are beforehand and stay informed by listening to these early warnings and advisories.

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City of San Luis Obispo, CA

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