"Heavy Rain Expected in LA Amid 'Worst Wildfire'... Why the Warning Says It Could Get Even Worse"

Rain has begun to fall in Southern California, USA, where wildfires have been burning uncontrollably for three weeks, aiding firefighters in their efforts. However, concerns have been raised that if heavy rain continues, new problems such as landslides and the occurrence of toxic ash runoff may arise.

Los Angeles (LA) Wildfire. Reuters Yonhap News

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On the 26th (local time), foreign media including the Associated Press and CNN reported that the National Weather Service forecasted an average of about 1 inch (2.54 cm) of rain in the Southern California region this weekend. The Weather Service predicted light rain continuing for several hours in Los Angeles (LA). In areas with heavier rainfall, up to 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) per hour is expected. Although this is not a large amount of precipitation, it could be a much-needed relief for this region, which has been parched with almost no rain for over three months.

However, the Weather Service added that due to the prolonged dry spell, the ground has become as hard as cement and is unable to absorb water easily. They also warned, "We must prepare for the worst-case scenario where localized heavy rain causes mud and debris to flow down hillsides," adding, "This can threaten lives and property by damaging other structures." They expressed concern that "if showers concentrate over the fire-affected areas, the worst mudslides carrying toxic wildfire residues could occur."

Local governments recently warned that the wildfire-affected areas are littered with numerous burnt cars, electronic maintenance equipment, batteries, construction materials, paint, and furniture debris, resulting in a mixture of toxic substances. Additionally, harmful pollutants such as pesticides, asbestos, plastic items, and lead are mixed in, prompting authorities to advise residents to wear protective gear and suits even during cleanup operations.

Because of this, LA Mayor Karen Bass issued an administrative order this week, issuing warnings about environmental impacts and alerting the public to the pollution hazards from wildfire debris in the affected areas. LA County local governments have also declared a flood control emergency in the wildfire-affected regions and ordered the removal of debris and burnt remains. The California Department of Water Resources has deployed over 250,000 sandbags in flood-prone areas, and firefighters are assisting with maintenance such as cleaning sewer pipes and stormwater catch basins.

Warnings about mudslides caused by debris flowing due to flooding after wildfires emerged following a major wildfire near Montecito, a coastal area near LA, in 2018, when a mudslide killed 23 people and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Meanwhile, LA County has been overwhelmed over the past two weeks by multiple large wildfires occurring simultaneously. Twenty-eight people have died, 22 are missing, and more than 15,000 buildings have been completely destroyed. The major wildfires, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, are 84% and 95% contained respectively and under control, but not fully extinguished. The newly ignited Hughes Fire on the 22nd is 90% contained.

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