Mandatory evacuations lifted for Silverado Canyon burn area

SILVERADO, Calif. (KABC) -- A mandatory evacuation was lifted Friday for the Silverado Canyon burn area following a Flash Flood Warning and possible debris flow.

The evacuation was called off around 1:45 p.m. due to a decrease in expected rainfall. Silverado Canyon Road has also been reopened.

A Flash Flood Watch will remain in effect until 3 a.m. Saturday. Emergency crews will remain in the canyon to monitor conditions.

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The evacuation affected all homes east of 30311 Silverado Canyon Road. Orange County officials said no residents were allowed in the area during the evacuation order.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter at El Modena High School at 3920 E. Spring St. in Orange for evacuated residents. The shelter will re-open if the need arises.

Animals were not allowed in the shelter, with the exception of service animals. The Orange County Emergency Operations Center advised evacuees to take their small pets to the Orange County Animal Shelter, located at 561 The City Drive in Orange. Residents are urged to continue boarding any large animals until early Saturday.

Residents can still get sandbags at the OC Fire Authority Station 14, located at 29402 Silverado Canyon Road, and at the OC Public Works Maintenance Yard, located at 20811 El Toro Road in Lake Forest.

The Silverado Fire scorched approximately 1,000 acres in September, leaving little vegetation to hold water back.