New Report Sounds Alarm On Vulnerability Of Cajon Pass Should Major San Andreas Quake Hit

FONTANA (CBSLA.com) — The San Andreas fault is California's longest and most dangerous fault line.

That's why, when the "big one" hits, it could go right through the Cajon Pass, where vital resources, like freeways, railroads and utility lines intersect.

For people like Manuel Armendarez, who lives and works in the area, it's frightening.

"I'm really concerned," he said. "That's my main way of transportation back and forth from work, so something happens there, that's my bread and butter there for my family."

Armendarez still remembers last year's wildfire that burned dozens of cars on the 15 Freeway.

Now, according to a new report, an earthquake that causes a wildfire in the area could wipe out the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains.

That's because firefighting resources would likely be used on homes and people instead, while the national forests burn.

The report was put together by businesses, policymakers and utility companies, and is meant to educate small city and big business leaders outside of Los Angeles who can actually do something to minimize the risk.

Too often, it says, people don't prepare because it's too complicated or too overwhelming.

But, experts say, that needs to change, one simple step at a time.

One recommendation for the Cajon Pass includes putting in shut-off valves to automatically turn off petroleum and natural gas pipelines that run through the area during an earthquake because a massive wildfire begins.

To read the report, click here.