Mayor Karen Bass stated that officials are getting ready for the potential of rain in burn scar areas this weekend, as the Los Angeles region continues to monitor extreme fire danger.
In order to protect burn sites from the Palisades and Eaton fires and lower the possibility of dangerous flow from rain, Bass issued an emergency executive order.
Bass stated during a press conference on Tuesday morning that her directive entails directing stormwater to the sewer system, erecting strengthened barricades, and clearing debris using large machinery.
“Coming from a storm that will start in northern Canada and work its way down the West Coast,” according to KCAL News Meteorologist Paul Deanno, is the likelihood of rain.
Starting Friday night, the Inland Empire may receive.40 inches of rain, while some areas of Los Angeles may receive.25 inches. Although rain is not guaranteed, Deanno said that this is the biggest likelihood of widespread precipitation the area has seen since November.
Areas that have recently had wildfires are most vulnerable to flash floods and debris during rainstorms, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters are not calling for a powerful downpour, but there is still a chance of hazardous debris flow.
“The soils in a burn scar are highly erodible so flood waters can contain significant amounts of mud, boulders, and vegetation,” the National Weather Service stated.
Rain also puts local waterways at risk, according to Councilwoman Traci Park, who is in charge of District 11, which includes the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
“I normally pray for rain, God knows we generally need it,” Park stated. “Adding water to this mess and saturated unstable hillsides is the last thing we need.”
Park noted that areas affected by burns do not normally absorb water. In anticipation of possible precipitation, she has directed the GIS and Mapping Division of the LA Bureau of Engineering to develop a “online post-fire hazard map to identify homes and properties that are at increased risk of mudslides and debrief flow.”
According to her, citizens also contribute to the city’s safety. She exhorts everyone to heed official warnings.
This is the driest winter start on record, according to meteorologists.
Debris removal in Los Angeles County
A local health emergency order issued by the Los Angeles County health officer forbids the removal of fire debris from burned and damaged properties in critical fire regions until an authorized government agency has completed a hazardous materials inspection.
Toxins like asbestos, mercury, lead, and other chemicals may be present in fire debris, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
The hazardous material disposal and fire debris assessment are being coordinated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Property owners are entitled to free debris removal services.
“Each property with damaged/destroyed structures identified will be cleared of all household hazardous waste,” stated the LADPW.
For additional information on debris removal, click this page.