MONROVIA, Calif. — Monrovia residents are preparing their homes in anticipation of heavy rainfall.

Mudslides and debris flows are a possibility in mountainous neighborhoods following the Bobcat fire in September. Resident Brittany Kallin and her husband placed sandbags around their home, and they have received a special notice of concern from the City of Monrovia. 

“Our house is of concern to them due to possible mudslides from the Bobcat fire when the rain comes just because our house slopes down from the street. We’re kind of in the line of fire so to speak,” Kallin said.

The Bobcat fire burned just up the hill from their front yard and heavy rain could flow straight to their home. The city is working on installing K-Rail in the area to manage potential debris flow or erosion, but the sandbags are the only barrier for now.

“We’re definitely hoping that it’s enough and we just want to be prepared and not ignore warnings,” Kallin said.

Nearby residents are also preparing for the potent storm. Bradbury resident Jason Baker was making sure his home would be protected. He is concerned about a large amount of water coming from the mountain. He has made two trips to get sandbags in order to create a barrier around his home. 

“We’re pretty close to Spanish Canyon where the fire came through,” Baker said. “We’ve been working for about two to three days, tarps, covering things, sandbags, emergency lighting, flashlights, just preparation for animals. Everything that’s necessary to do in preparation for a large storm.”

He and other area residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

The City of Monrovia has sandbags available at Recreation Park in the parking lot off East Olive Avenue, near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field.

The gravel bags are self-serve and residents must provide their own shovels, gloves, and eye protection. City officials ask individuals to take only what they need to ensure there is enough for everyone.