Rainfall Ignites More ‘Dangers’ Despite Calming Los Angeles Fires

Officials are warning residents of hazardous waste, toxic ash runoff, and mudslides now that there was rain to relieve the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch that includes areas scorched by the fires as “burn scars.” Fast-moving mud, debris, and rocks “can lose serious dangers to roads and homes,” according to Cal Fire, adding that residents should prepare and be alert.

The department cautions those in areas impacted by the fires to be ready to evacuate to higher ground and have an emergency plan. Additionally driving through areas with debris and flooding should be avoided. Officials across multiple agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, have begun cleaning up debris to “safely dispose of hazardous materials from all burned areas,” including ash from burned vegetation, buildings, and cars that cover areas scorched by the fire and spread to other areas by the winds.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also signed an Emergency Executive Order directing city crews to “install reinforced concrete barriers, lay down sandbags, and clear debris to shore up burn areas and stem the flow of toxins.”

Bass said in a statement on her official LA City website, “With rain in the forecast, it’s imperative we take aggressive action to prevent additional damage in burn areas and to protect our water and ocean from hazardous runoff.”

Firefighters have made progress on the wildfires, with the Palisades Fire 87% contained, the Eaton Fire 95% contained, and the Hughes Fire 92% contained, according to a recent estimate by Cal Fire.

Fire debris and ash contain “harmful substances” such as asbestos, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said during a press conference last week.

“Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic can come from burned electronics and building materials and even a brief exposure can potentially cause skin irritations and lead to more serious illness,” Dr. Ferrer continued.

Residents in burned areas who have been cleared by local authorities to return home should take precautions to protect their health and safety, according to Los Angeles County Officials. An N95 mask is recommended on returning to homes, which protects users from inhaling harmful particles, as well as safety goggles which protect the eyes from ash, debris, and smoke. Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and gloves are recommended to protect the skin, and residents should not remove hazardous debris without assistance.

Officials also advise residents in wildfire areas to monitor their air quality going forward, and wear an N95 mask whenever there is smoke, dust, and ash in the air.

Click here for more updates on the L.A. fires. Our team at ACHDA wishes everyone in California safety and wellness.