Southern California is facing a new threat as rain begins to fall across the region, raising concerns about mudflows in areas recently ravaged by wildfires. The potential for thunderstorms and heavy rain, even with isolated occurrences, could lead to debris flows from hillsides still vulnerable due to the burn scars.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning on X, highlighting the risk. They noted that the recent fires, coupled with the possibility of hail and thunderstorms, could trigger small, isolated debris and mudflows in areas that have not yet fully recovered. Locations of concern include Mt. Baldy, Wrightwood, Big Pines, Agua Dulce, and Santa Maria. The Public Works Department is closely monitoring these communities until the threat subsides.
This comes as firefighters continue their relentless battle against three massive wildfires burning across Southern California. The Bridge, Line, and Airport fires are the largest active wildfires in the state, having scorched over 117,500 acres and destroying at least 234 structures. However, cooler temperatures have provided some respite, allowing crews to make significant progress in containing the flames.
Containment for the Bridge Fire reached 59% on Friday, prompting the downgrading of evacuation orders to warnings for the Mount Baldy and Wrightwood areas. The blaze has destroyed around 73 structures. In Riverside and Orange counties, the Airport Fire has destroyed 160 structures, with containment reaching 51% on Friday. The Line Fire, while the least destructive of the three, has burned over 39,000 acres in San Bernardino County. Its containment reached 53% as of Friday morning.
In the wake of these devastating wildfires, resource centers are opening their doors to provide support to homeowners and businesses impacted by the fires. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of communities while battling the blazes and preparing for the potential risks posed by the upcoming rain.
