Rain in California helps firefighters respond to wildfires but brings danger of toxic ash flows
Rain has fallen in Southern California after weeks of windy and dry weather, which is expected to help firefighters responding to several wildfires, but possible heavy rain in the burned hills could cause toxic ash flows.
Los Angeles County crews have spent the past week clearing vegetation, grading hills and reinforcing roads in areas devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this month.
Much of the region was forecast to receive about an inch of rain over the course of several days, but the National Weather Service said the “threat is high enough to prepare for the worst” of cloudbursts that lead to mud and debris slides down hillsides.
“So the problem would be if one of these showers is parked in a burned area,” said meteorologist Carol Smith. “That may be enough to create a debris flow.”
TRUMP MEET WITH CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, FIRE OFFICIALS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT TO SEE THE SCOPE OF LA WILDFIRE DAMAGE
Crews find a net to prevent a mudslide from the burned side of a mansion in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP)
The rain started late Saturday and was expected to increase on Sunday and may last until Tuesday morning, according to forecasts. Flood watches were issued for some burned areas, while mountains are expected to receive snow.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, issued an executive order last week to speed up cleanup efforts and reduce the environmental impacts of the fire’s pollutants. Los Angeles County officials also approved an emergency proposal to install flood control infrastructure and expedite the removal of sediment from areas affected by the fires.
Firefighters put out hot spots, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 in Camarillo, California, where the Laguna Fire broke out. (AP)
Officials said the ash from the recent fires was a toxic mix of burned cars, electronics, batteries, building materials, paint, furniture and other household items. Ash contains pesticides, asbestos, plastics and lead. Officials urged residents to wear protective gear when cleaning.
Concerns about possible debris flow after the fire became the highest since 2018, when the town of Montecito faced mudslides after heavy rains battered the mountain slopes burned bare. A total of 23 people died and hundreds of homes were damaged.
COMPTON COWBOYS RUN IN SECOND SEASON OF LOS ANGELES TREE TO RESCUE HORSES IN DANGER
Firefighters put out hot spots, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 in Camarillo, California, where the Laguna Fire broke out. (AP)
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Wet weather over the weekend in Southern California ended weeks of damaging winds and reduced humidity, but several wildfires were still burning in the area Saturday, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures. The Palisades Fire was 81% contained Saturday and the Eaton Fire was 95% contained.
Meanwhile, in northern Los Angeles County, firefighters made significant progress against the Hughes Fire, which forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate when it erupted Wednesday in the mountains near Lake Castaic.
There has been little containment of the Border 2 Fire in San Diego County as it burns in the remote Otay Mountain Wilderness near the US-Mexico border.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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