LOS ANGELES — Dry weather continues to pose a significant threat in Southern California as strong winds persist, although there are expectations of rain over the weekend which may help alleviate the risk of further wildfires. Forecasters have noted that even minor rainfall could lead to challenges, such as harmful ash runoff from burn areas.
The city of Los Angeles has begun preparations, allowing a limited number of residents to return to the heavily impacted Pacific Palisades neighborhood while firefighting efforts are ongoing against smaller blazes that have ignited in the region. Mayor Karen Bass has enacted an executive order aimed at speeding up the cleanup process in fire-damaged areas, focusing on mitigating the environmental effects caused by fire-related debris. This initiative includes removing vegetation, reinforcing hillsides, installing protective barriers, and strengthening roads in anticipation of rainfall that could trigger mud and debris flows.
Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of these measures stating, “This is to prevent additional damage to areas already ravaged by fire and also to protect our watershed, beaches, and ocean from toxic runoff.” Weather predictions indicate a 60% to 80% chance of rain starting Saturday, with most regions expecting up to a third of an inch (0.8 cm). However, localized thunderstorms could potentially produce up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain, which poses a risk for debris flows on scorched terrain.
Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, mentioned that while this rain may not be significant, it can serve as a preparatory exercise for communities as they face prolonged threats from wildfires in the future. He recalled the tragic mudslides in Montecito back in 2018, which devastated the area after heavy rainfall followed a major wildfire, resulting in the loss of 23 lives and widespread property damage.
On a positive note, the windy conditions experienced earlier have calmed down after reaching speeds of 60 mph (96 kph), though similar gusts are expected to return for the next couple of days. As a precaution, red flag warnings indicating critical fire risk remain in effect through Thursday evening in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties. “If a fire were to get started, it could grow pretty fast,” Kittell warned, highlighting ongoing concerns about new sparks igniting additional wildfires.
Officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) have expressed worries about the potential for existing blazes, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, to breach containment lines as firefighters monitor for hot spots. Fire crews have effectively managed to control several smaller fires with assistance from water-dousing aircraft, including the Friars Fire near a San Diego mall which necessitated evacuation orders.
Moreover, evacuation orders were lifted for the Bonsall area affected by the Lilac Fire, which had threatened structures in the vicinity. Firefighters have also contained the Pala Fire, while a small brush fire near the Griffith Observatory was quickly extinguished, with a suspect taken into custody in connection with starting that fire. Additional small fires were reported in Tujunga and Granada Hills, the latter incident affecting traffic on Interstate 405.
In a preventative measure, Southern California Edison proactively shut off power to over 60,000 customers across five counties amid concerns that strong winds could cause electrical equipment to topple and spark new fires. The utility company is contemplating precautionary shutoffs for an additional 202,000 customers.
Residents have been urged to review their evacuation plans and remain vigilant for any signs of fire, reporting them to authorities promptly. Mayor Bass has also cautioned that wind conditions could carry ash into populated areas and encouraged Angelenos to visit the city’s website to find resources on protecting themselves from potentially toxic air quality during the Santa Ana wind event.
Despite ongoing challenges, firefighters are still confronting the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have collectively claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures since their ignition on January 7. The containment of the Palisades Fire stands at 61%, while the Eaton Fire is at 87%. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is currently investigating the causes of these fires; however, no findings have been shared publicly to date.
In response to the devastation, several lawsuits have emerged from individuals who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire, alleging that equipment from Southern California Edison sparked the blaze. A judge overseeing one case has mandated that the utility company provide data related to circuits in the area where the fire began.
