San Bernardino County Flood Control honored for emergency response after Line Fire

Eight people pose together indoors at East Valley Water District, with two individuals holding certificates of recognition. — *The San Bernardino County Flood Control District was honored with a proclamation at the East Valley Water District meeting.*

Following the Line Fire in September 2024, the San Bernardino County Flood Control District launched a large-scale emergency response to protect the city of Highland from flooding and infrastructure damage. In the months that followed, crews removed tens of thousands of cubic yards of sediment and debris from flood basins, storm channels and city streets, efforts that proved essential as a series of storms swept through the burn area.

Over the next nine months, flood control crews worked around the clock to clear mud, debris and sediment from basins and storm channels throughout the city of Highland. Their efforts resulted in the removal of more than 80,000 cubic yards of sediment and burn debris, equivalent to 8,000 large dump trucks from flood basins, city streets and critical waterways.

The recovery work focused on flood control facilities such as Cook Canyon Basin, Elder Creek Basin, Oak Creek Basin and Plunge Creek Channel. Teams also supported the city of Highland by helping to clear major streets like Old Green Spot Road, Church Street and Ypsilantha Street.

The East Valley Water District (EVWD), whose infrastructure was also impacted, recognized these efforts with a formal proclamation at their July 23 East Valley Water District board meeting. EVWD General Manager/CEO Michael Moore spoke at the presentation, saying “This wasn’t just a clean-up effort, it was a coordinated operation to protect our community. The proactive work of the Flood Control District directly contributed to the ongoing reliability of our water systems, including our Plant 129. On behalf of our entire district, we thank the county flood control team for their incredible service and commitment.”

At the height of the emergency response, more than 25 county equipment operators, supervisors, and construction workers, along with 30 contract operators and truck drivers, worked across eight repair sites and four local stockpile locations.

Thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding between the city of Highland and the Flood Control District, crews were able to provide citywide debris removal and storm recovery support. Their work helped stabilize Highland’s roads, reduce flood risk and restore access to homes and neighborhoods.

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe accepted the proclamation on behalf of the flood control district and praised the team’s dedication. “The work our county crews and contractors did after the Line Fire demonstrates the power of proactive leadership and true collaboration. Their efforts made a real difference in protecting homes, infrastructure, and lives in Highland, and it’s exactly the kind of public service our communities deserve.”

This $3.7 million response effort highlights the importance of preparedness, coordination and strong partnerships between agencies. Thanks to the quick response by San Bernardino County Flood Control District and the support of the city of Highland and the EVWD, the community was better protected from flooding and long-term damage. Their work not only restored key infrastructure but also strengthened community resilience in the face of future emergencies.

Additional County Update News – August 7, 2025