Expedited debris cleanup underway with rain in the forecast near LA County wildfire burn scars – CBS Los Angeles
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By
Michele Gile
Updated on: January 22, 2025 / 8:03 AM PST
/ KCAL News
Just weeks after being devastated by two destructive wildfires that have destroyed more than 10,000 homes and businesses, Los Angeles County is now bracing for rain. The worry is that the combination of scorched land and incoming precipitation could create another disaster. The expansive burn scars left behind by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, both of which combined for more than 25,000 acres across the county, are susceptible to mudslides and debris flow.In response, both California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have taken action, calling for expedited removal of debris with rain in the forecast. The governor’s order will suspend certain environmental rules and approval procedures for 90 days, through the end of the normal rainy season. “As work continues to fight fires across Los Angeles County, the state is already working to prepare for the damage that can happen when winter rainstorms hit burn scars, causing landslides and flooding,” Newsom said. “This order helps keep our emergency response focused on protecting communities, not permits and paperwork.” As such, crews were busy Tuesday placing straw wattles for erosion control, jute netting to keep ground from sliding and laying out sandbags to prevent water from pooling in certain areas. “This firestorm left behind serious health and environmental impacts,” Bass said. Unstable hillsides and toxic materials left behind by the fires could flow into the Pacific Ocean near the Palisades Fire zone. The National Weather Service warns that areas recently affected by wildfires are particularly more susceptible to flash floods and debris during rainstorms. “Part of our mission is protect life, property and environment and we’e doing our best with the time that we have,” said Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard Captain Marco Rodriguez. “Obviously this area is affected by the fire so it’s gonna be a lot more impacted by the rain.”Bass said aggressive action was necessary to prevent additional damage to properties and infrastructure, as well as protect water supply, beaches and the ocean. She was joined by Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park, who further discussed the potential consequences. “Adding water to this mess and saturated, unstable hillsides is the last thing we need. But we already know at some point it’s going to happen,” Park said. “Let me remind folks burn scars don’t absorb water at a normal rate, they simply add to the risk of floods, landslides and debris flow.”A major task that needs completion is rebuilding retaining walls that were burnt by the flames, in order to keep the hillsides from slipping. As for now, there are plans for additional concrete barriers to hold back loose dirt and rocks. Dozens of scarred vehicles also had to be removed from the Pacific Coast Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol. This is in order to install more K Rails along the road. The Los Angeles County health officer issued a local health emergency order that prohibits residents from removing fire debris from damaged and burned properties in critical fire areas until a hazardous materials inspection has been conducted by an approved government agency.Fire debris can contain toxins like asbestos, mercury, lead and other chemicals, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works said. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is handling the coordination of fire debris assessment and hazardous waste removal activities. Debris removal services are free to property owners.”Owners of destroyed structures will have the opportunity to participate in a government-sponsored program to have their properties cleared of fire debris,” the LADPW said. “Property owners who elect to opt-out of the government-sponsored program will be required to obtain County approval prior to removing any fire debris.”Click here to get more information on debris removal. Michele joined KCAL9 in 1990 as the Orange County reporter and she has loved it there ever since! She reports from the field for both KCAL9 and CBS2.
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