HomeTop StoriesAccelerated debris removal underway with rain near wildfire burns in LA County

Accelerated debris removal underway with rain near wildfire burns in LA County

Just weeks after being devastated by two devastating wildfires that destroyed more than 10,000 homes and businesses, Los Angeles County is now preparing for rain. The combination of the scorched land and incoming precipitation could cause another disaster.

The extensive burn scars left by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fireboth of which together cover more than 25,000 hectares in the province, are now more susceptible to mudslides and debris flows, further raising residents’ concerns.

In response, both California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have done so action takencalling for accelerated removal of rubble as rains approach.

“While efforts are underway to battle fires in Los Angeles County, the state is already working to prepare for the damage that could occur when winter rainstorms cause burns and cause landslides and flooding,” Newsom said. “This order ensures that our emergency response remains focused on protecting communities, not permits and paperwork.”

See also  Organizations in NE Florida, Southeast Georgia, businesses are closing

For example, crews were busy Tuesday installing straw straws for erosion control, jute netting to prevent the soil from sliding and sandbags to prevent water from collecting in certain areas.

“This firestorm has left serious health and environmental impacts,” Bass said.

Unstable hillsides and toxic materials left behind by the fires could spill into the Pacific Ocean near the Palisades Fire zone.

“Part of our mission is to protect lives, property and the environment and we are doing the best we can with the time we have,” said Marco Rodriguez, captain of the Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard. “Obviously this area has been affected by the fire, so it will be affected a lot more by the rain.”

Bass said aggressive action was needed to prevent additional damage to property and infrastructure, and to protect water supplies, beaches and the ocean. She was joined by Los Angeles City Council Member Traci Park, who further discussed the potential consequences.

See also  Preview of Governor Hochul's 2025 State of the State Address

“Adding water to this mess and saturated, unstable hillsides is the last thing we need. But we already know this is going to happen at some point,” Park said. “Let me remind people that burn scars do not absorb water at a normal rate, they simply increase the risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows.”

A major task that needs to be completed is rebuilding retaining walls burned by the flames to prevent the hills from sliding. For the time being, there are plans for additional concrete barriers to retain loose dirt and stones.

Dozens of scarred vehicles also had to be removed from the Pacific Coast Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol. This is to be able to place more K-rails along the road.

- Advertisement -
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments