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Debris Flows in San Bernardino Mountains Destroy 3 Homes as Highway 38 Closes Indefinitely

Damage surveys are complete, with officials urging readiness for possible new slides.

Overview

  • San Bernardino County Fire reports 14 homes, one business and four outbuildings damaged, including three homes destroyed, with no serious injuries in the mountain communities.
  • Caltrans awarded an emergency contract to repair the washed‑out section of Highway 38, but there is no timetable to reopen the route between Angelus Oaks and Big Bear.
  • County crews continue clearing Oak Glen Road near Chagall Road, with limited reopenings targeted this week and alternate access available via Wildwood Canyon Road or from Beaumont.
  • Local growers and restaurants report slower fall traffic but expect improvements as road access expands during the peak apple‑picking season.
  • The same storm system caused a fatal flash‑flood incident in Barstow, and forecasters warn additional rain could trigger new debris flows, prompting officials to advise residents to prepare with sandbags.