LOS ANGELES — Dry conditions in Southern California are expected to intensify with increased wind threats on Wednesday, although some rain is anticipated over the weekend. This precipitation is hoped to alleviate fire risks, yet even light rainfall could lead to complications such as toxic ash runoff from burned areas.
As officials in Los Angeles brace for these weather changes, a limited number of residents have been permitted to return to the heavily impacted regions of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Firefighters have successfully managed to control several small fires that emerged recently.
Todd Hall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, expressed concern about the re-emergence of critical fire hazards in Southern California during an interview on Wednesday morning. “Right now, it feels like we are sounding the same alarm over and over again,” he remarked.
In response to these conditions, Mayor Karen Bass took action on Tuesday by issuing an executive order aimed at accelerating cleanup operations in fire-damaged areas and minimizing the environmental fallout from related pollutants. The order mandates that teams remove vegetation, strengthen hillsides, install protective barriers, and improve road stability before expected rains this weekend, which might lead to mudslides and debris flows.
“This initiative is essential to safeguard regions already struck by fire and to protect our watersheds, beaches, and oceans from harmful runoff,” Bass stated during a press briefing.
In parallel, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency motion aimed at enhancing flood control measures and expediting the removal of sediment in affected areas.
Forecasts indicate a 60% to 80% chance of light rain beginning Saturday, with most regions anticipated to receive no more than one-third of an inch (0.8 centimeters). However, localized thunderstorms could produce up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain, which raises concerns about potential debris flows on charred landscapes, according to meteorologist Ryan Kittell.
“Even if the rainfall does not happen this time, it could serve as an important dry run for communities, as they may face similar threats in the months or years ahead,” Kittell added.
Fire crews have been actively distributing sandbags to local communities to prepare for the impending weather.
In a similar past incident, Montecito, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, experienced devastating mudslides in 2018 after rainfall hit areas stripped bare by a large wildfire. The disaster resulted in 23 fatalities and significant damage to numerous homes.
After recently experiencing peak wind gusts of up to 60 mph (96 kph), conditions have shown signs of easing, though gusty winds are expected to return in the following days. Red flag warnings highlighting critical fire risks were extended in Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 8 p.m. Thursday.
“Our main concern is the next wildfire, the next spark that could ignite new flames,” remarked David Acuna, a representative from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). He also highlighted the risk of existing fires, the Palisades and Eaton blazes, potentially breaching their containment lines.
Firefighting units managed to extinguish several smaller fires that had ignited in LA and San Diego counties, according to officials. Evacuation orders were lifted for the Friars Fire near a mall in San Diego, and partially for the Lilac Fire, which posed a threat to nearby structures. Additionally, the Pala Fire was fully contained, while the Clay Fire in Riverside was reported as 40% contained by Tuesday night.
In a preemptive move, Southern California Edison temporarily turned off power for more than 60,000 customers across five counties to prevent fire risks associated with wind damage to electrical equipment. Power has since been restored to some customers, while the utility is considering additional precautionary outages affecting around 160,000 other customers.
Residents are thus urged to review their evacuation plans, prepare emergency supplies, and remain vigilant for fire incidents to report promptly.
Mayor Bass also cautioned that winds might distribute ash and directed Angelenos to visit the city’s official website for information on safeguarding against harmful air quality during the current Santa Ana winds.
As firefighters continue tackling the Palisades and Eaton fires, conditions have been exacerbated by low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds. These fires have resulted in at least 28 fatalities and the destruction of more than 14,000 structures since they ignited on January 7. Currently, the Palisades Fire is 63% contained, while the Eaton Fire is at 89% containment.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating the origins of these fires, though findings have yet to be disclosed. Several lawsuits have been brought against Southern California Edison by individuals who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire, alleging that the utility’s equipment caused the blaze. A judge overseeing one of the lawsuits has instructed the utility to present data from circuits in the area where the fire began.
President Donald Trump, who criticized wildfire response efforts during his inauguration speech, is set to visit Los Angeles on Friday.
