Residents in areas burned by Creek Fire prepare for possible rain storm

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A rainstorm approaching Southern California is causing concern for residents living in recently burned areas, such as in the San Fernando Valley where the Creek Fire erupted.

Stephanee Markee's home survived the blaze, but it upset her that some of her neighbors lost their homes.

Many residents remember what happened 10 years ago when another devastating fire ripped through the area.

"I'm positive it's going to flood if it rains pretty good," Brad Slagle said. "The boulders and stuff came down last time and just messed us all up."

Four recent fires in Los Angeles County burned about 30,000 acres. Officials urge residents in burn areas to prepare for storms.

"When you live downstream of these areas, there's a potential for mud and debris flow. So we want to make sure that there's nothing blocking that mud and debris from getting to streets," said Kerjon Lee, with the L.A. County Public Works Department. "You also want to make sure that you look around your property where mud and debris might enter it."

Investigators determined that the Skirball Fire was caused by someone cooking at a homeless encampment. The fast-moving blaze along the 405 Freeway destroyed six homes in Bel Air.

Los Angeles officials said they are taking steps to clear out encampments in what they call "high-fire severity zones."

"We want those people in these zones to voluntarily move. It is as clear-cut as that. This is a public safety issue. This is a trespassing issue," Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said.

Fire officials said on Friday that they were surveying 47 districts that are in those severity zones.