Voluntary evacuations ordered for Camarillo residents

Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Voluntary evacuations ordered for Camarillo residents
Camarillo residents living near the hillside that burned in last year's Spring Fire are being encouraged to voluntarily evacuate amid an impending storm.

CAMARILLO, Calif. (KABC) -- Camarillo residents living near the hillside that burned in last year's Spring Fire are being encouraged to voluntarily evacuate amid an impending storm. There are concerns the rain could cause mudslides.

As a backhoe removed scoop after scoop of loose dirt and rocks, a vacuum sucked out the debris clogging the storm drain behind homes in the Springs neighborhood.

Crews are trying to prevent a repeat of the mud flow one month ago, when the rain sent several feet of mud into backyards and severely damaged one home.

Meantime, Pacific Coast Highway remains closed between Las Posas and Yerba Buena roads. Sunday's rain resulted in mud cascading over the K-rail, forcing drivers to take a detour.

Back in Camarillo, many residents have stacked sandbags to channel any run-off away from their homes.

Watch ABC7 reporter Melissa MacBride's report above.