With rain in the forecast, California mobilizes to prevent post-fire mudslides
The LA area has been battling wildfires since early January.
California is mobilizing crews to protect LA burn scars to prevent mudslides, following forecasts that rain is likely later this week.
"Even before we saw rain on the horizon in Los Angeles, I directed my departments and agencies to act fast to protect neighbourhoods from potentially hazardous debris flows," California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement.
"By stationing resources and staff in key locations, we can help make a difference as we transition from fire response to storm preparedness."
A dozen geologists have been sent into communities to identify high-risk areas, along with a team of more than 30 engineers and specialists who will oversee efforts to protect residential areas.
Other mudslide mitigation resources include:
Stockpiles that can deploy 5,650 super sacks if needed
271,000 burlap sandbags
777 plastic sheeting rolls
17,790 wood stakes
400 members of the California Conservation Corps who will install fencing, compost, and other materials to burn scars.
At least four dump trucks, will haul away loose debris.
How wildfires can elevate the risk of mudslides
Burn scars are susceptible to mudslides during rain events because they lack vegetation to keep the soil in place.
Wildfires alter the environment in several ways. Fires incinerate the trees and other vegetation that anchors the soil. When plants and their roots are removed en masse, it can loosen the soil and make it more susceptible to washing away in heavy rain.
And that's not all: Intense fires, like the ones happening in LA, are also known to change the composition of soil, causing it to develop a wax-like layer that repels water.
This reduced absorbency makes rainwater more likely to pool on the ground, elevating flood risk.
An ongoing fire emergency
The Los Angeles area has been plagued by wildfires that first erupted on January 7, 2025, spreading quickly due to a lack of rain and strong winds.
The most recent fire ignited Wednesday north of LA, forcing the evacuation of at least 19,000 people.
Header image: File photo via Canva Pro.
