Storms in Backcountry Forecast? Free Sandbags at County, CAL FIRE Stations
By Gig Conaughton
Reading Time: 2minutes
The sun is shining, but weather forecasts say summer storms could possibly create heavy rains and flooding in the mountains and deserts this week, meaning this could be a good time to stock up on free sandbags.
The County of San Diego and CAL FIRE are providing free sand and bags to residents in unincorporated areas at numerous fire stations around the county.
Rain can cause flooding and erosion, particularly in areas that aren’t covered by plants, landscaping, grass and trees. That includes areas covered by concrete or laid bare by drought or fire.
Rain runoff can sweep topsoil, mud, plant material and debris off land and downstream where it can damage homes, clog culverts and storm drains, and flood and damage roadways.
Sand and bags, or bags alone, will be available for unincorporated residents at the fire stations located below.
Bring a shovel to fill the bags and call ahead to double-check availability. Some stations may have a limited supply.
Sand and Bags
Bonita/Sunnyside: 4900 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902 P: 619-479-2346
Boulevard: 40080 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard, CA 91905 P: 619-390-2020
De Luz: 39524 Daily Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 P: 760-728-3140 *(Not staffed 24/7)
Fallbrook: 4375 Pala Mesa Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028 P: 760-723-2024
Julian: 1587 State Route 78, Julian CA 92036 (760) 765-0511
Lakeside River Park Conservancy:12108 Industry Road, Lakeside CA 92040 P: 619-443-4770 *(Closed over the weekend)
Ramona: 3410 Dye Road, Ramona, CA 92065 P: 760-789-0107
Ramona: 24462 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065 P: 760-789-9465
Rincon: 16971 Highway 76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061 P: 760-742-3243
Valley Center: 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center, CA 92082 P: 760-751-7605
Warner Springs: 35227 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086
P: 760-782-9113
Bags Only
Alpine: 1364 Tavern Road, Alpine, CA 91901 P: 619-445-2635
Deer Springs: 1321 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 P: 760-741-5512
De Luz: 39431 De Luz Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 P: 760-728-2422
Campo: 31577 Highway 94, Campo, CA 91906 P: 619-478-5516
Campo (Lake Morena): 29690 Oak Drive, Campo, CA 91906 P: 619-478-5960
De Luz: 39431 De Luz Road, Fallbrook, CA. 92028 P: 760-728-2422
Descanso: 24592 Viejas Grade Road, Descanso, CA 91916 P: 619-445-7508 (currently out of bags)
Dulzura: 17304 Highway 94, Dulzura, CA 91917 P: 619-468-3391
El Cajon: 551 Harbison Canyon Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019 P: 619-445-5001
Jacumba: 1255 Jacumba St., Jacumba, CA 91934 P: 619-766-4535
Jamul (Deerhorn): 2383 Honeysprings Road, Jamul, CA 91935 P: 619-468-3030
Jamul: 14024 Peaceful Valley Ranch Rd, Jamul, CA 91935 P: 619-669-6580
Julian: (Shelter Valley) 72160 Great Southern Overland, Julian, CA 92036 760-765-0155
Ocotillo Wells: 5841 Highway 78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 P: 760-767-7430