Santa Clarita knows the extremes. The thermometer hit 118 degrees on July 5, 2024, Santa Ana winds drive brush fires down the canyons, and the normally dry Santa Clara River can run hard after big storms. Los Angeles County has been named in fourteen federal disaster declarations since 2000, many tied to fire and winter storms.
Nothing about the cleanup is done by Fire & Water Energy itself, which only handles referrals by phone. If you call (866) 937-3230, we will try to connect you with an independent restoration contractor that works in Santa Clarita, whether you are in Valencia, Saugus, Newhall or Canyon Country. The arrangement is laid out on our referral disclosure page.
Canyons, a seasonal river and a hard-learned flood history
The valley floor ranges from about 1,024 feet near Interstate 5 to more than 3,000 feet in the San Gabriel foothills, with the Santa Susana Mountains to the south and west and the Sierra Pelona to the north. The Santa Clara River runs east to west through town and is usually dry except during heavy rain.
Flood risk here has a grim precedent: on March 12, 1928, the St. Francis Dam failed, and water swept through San Francisquito Canyon and down the river, killing 411 people. Today, rain falls mostly from December through March, averaging about 16 inches. FEMA's county-level declarations include winter storm and flooding events in 2005, 2010, 2017, 2023 and 2024.
Plumbing, slab and attic leaks in tract homes
Single-family tract housing dominates the city. Newhall is the oldest area, and Canyon Country and Saugus mix homes from the 1960s or earlier with 21st-century construction. Older homes may still carry original copper or galvanized lines; newer ones more often fail at plastic fittings, washing machine hoses or water heater connections.
Summer highs of 90 to 95 degrees, with heat waves above 110, put heavy demand on air conditioners, and attic units can overflow their pans into ceilings. Earthquakes are another trigger: the 1994 Northridge quake collapsed the freeway interchange at Newhall Pass. A water damage repair contractor will usually confirm the leak source, open affected walls and use structural drying equipment before any rebuild.
Federal disaster declarations that included Los Angeles County
FEMA records show Los Angeles County was included in 14 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (7 fire, 5 severe storm, 2 flood, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Santa Clarita was affected. The most recent:
- 2025 – Wildfires and Straight-line Winds (DR-4856)
- 2024 – Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4769)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4699)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4683)
- 2020 – Wildfires (DR-4569)
- 2018 – Wildfires (DR-4407)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Santa Clarita?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Santa Clarita property.
Living with wildfire in the Santa Clarita Valley
Wildfire risk peaks when Santa Ana winds blow in from the Mojave Desert. Fires such as the Buckweed Fire in October 2007, the Sand Fire in 2016, and the Rye and Tick fires have threatened the valley, and further fires burned in December 2017 and January 2025.
When smoke and soot enter a home, cleanup has to reach places you cannot see: attic insulation, wall cavities, duct runs and the inside of cabinets. Fire damage restoration contractors commonly start with an assessment, then remove debris, clean soot and treat odor. For heavy residue, ask about soot removal methods for different surfaces such as painted drywall, wood and stone.
Burn scars, debris and winter flooding
Slopes stripped by fire shed water fast, and rain on those areas can carry mud, rock and ash into yards and streets below. Homes near the river or canyon mouths should take county flood warnings seriously during multi-day storms. The 2023 and 2024 county declarations both mentioned landslides and mudslides.
Flood damage restoration typically starts with removing mud and soaked materials, then disinfecting and drying. If a storm tears off shingles or drops a tree on the house, storm damage cleanup and temporary roof covering come first.
Mold after leaks and storm water
The dry air outdoors does little for a wet wall cavity or carpet pad. Mold can appear within a couple of days in warm, enclosed spaces, especially after a slow AC or plumbing leak.
Under EPA guidance, homeowners can usually clean less than about 10 square feet of mold with the leak fixed and proper protection. Larger areas or mold in HVAC systems generally call for mold remediation with containment.
Santa Clarita safety checklist
- Call 911 for fire, gas smell, injuries or downed wires.
- Leave immediately when evacuation orders are issued; canyon roads can close quickly.
- Wear an N95 mask and gloves when handling ash or soot.
- Document every room with photos before cleaning starts. Your policy determines what is covered, so check with your insurer or agent early in the process.
For a contractor referral, call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to reach an independent provider serving the valley. Learn how it works or see California service areas.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Santa Clarita that callers often mention include:
- Valencia
- Saugus
- Newhall
- Canyon Country
- Placerita Canyon
- Sand Canyon
- Vista Canyon
- Fair Oaks Ranch
- Skyline Ranch
- Five Knolls
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Santa Clarita):
- Simi Valley · 16 mi
- Burbank · 20 mi
- Thousand Oaks · 23 mi
- Glendale · 24 mi
- Santa Monica · 26 mi
- Palmdale · 28 mi
Santa Clarita restoration FAQs
Does the Santa Clara River flood?
It is usually dry, but heavy rain can turn it into a fast-moving river. The 1928 St. Francis Dam failure sent deadly floodwaters down San Francisquito Canyon and along the river. Residents near the river should follow county alerts during major storms.
When is wildfire risk highest in Santa Clarita?
Fire danger peaks when hot, dry Santa Ana winds blow in from the Mojave Desert. Fires in December 2017 and January 2025 show that the risk can extend well into winter, not just summer.
Are Castaic and Stevenson Ranch part of the city?
No. Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, Agua Dulce and Val Verde are unincorporated areas near the city. Independent contractors who serve the valley often work in these areas too, but availability varies.
How do I find restoration help in Santa Clarita?
Call (866) 937-3230. Fire & Water Energy is a referral service and will try to connect you with an independent restoration contractor that serves your area. Ask the contractor about licensing, process and written estimates.
Restoration guides
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Soot Removal
- Water Damage Repair
- Structural Drying
- Flood Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation