Precipitation is exacerbating LA fires
[Wildfire, photo credit to Unsplash]
Precipitation worsens LA fires’ aftermath.
After weeks of relentless wildfires fueled by dry and windy weather, rain has finally arrived in Southern California.
While the precipitation is anticipated to aid firefighters in controlling the blazes, officials warn that it may also create new hazards including mudslides and hazardous debris flows.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, which ignited on January 7 after severe windstorms, have ravaged extensive areas of Los Angeles County.
Firefighters have spent the previous week clearing vegetation, stabilizing slopes, and repairing roadways in fire-damaged zones.
As of January 26, the Palisades Fire was 81% contained, while the Eaton Fire was 95% contained. However, major concerns persist as rainfall moves into the region.
Forecasters predict between 12.7 to 19.1 millimeters (0.5 to 0.75 inches) of rainfall across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, with some locations expected to receive as much as 2.5 centimeters (1 inch).
While this may seem minor, experts warn that even light rain can trigger landslides and debris flows in fire-scarred terrain.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches for burn areas, warning that sudden downpours could potentially worsen conditions.
“The threat is high enough to prepare for the worst-case scenario,” said NWS meteorologist Carol Smith. “If a heavy rain cell lingers over a burn area, it could create dangerous debris flows.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has signed an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts and mitigate environmental risks.
Meanwhile, LA County supervisors have approved emergency measures to install flood-control infrastructure and remove sediment buildup in vulnerable areas.
Firefighters are distributing sandbags to at-risk communities, while county workers clear drainage systems to prevent blockages.
Beyond the immediate flooding concerns, experts warn of the potential for toxic ash runoff.
The fires have incinerated homes, vehicles, and various household materials, creating a hazardous mix of pollutants; these include pesticides, asbestos, lead, and plastic.
If swept into waterways, these substances could pose severe health and environmental risks.
Authorities are urging residents participating in cleanup efforts to wear protective gear to minimize exposure to harmful debris.
Concerns over post-fire mudslides have heightened since the catastrophic Montecito disaster in 2018.
In that event, heavy rainfall on fire-ravaged slopes triggered a massive debris flow, destroying hundreds of homes and claiming 23 lives.
Officials are determined to prevent a similar tragedy by taking preemptive measures.
While the impending storm may help extinguish lingering wildfires, several blazes continue to burn across Southern California.
In northern Los Angeles County, firefighters have made progress against the Hughes Fire, which forced tens of thousands to evacuate near Lake Castaic.
In San Diego County, the Border 2 Fire remains largely uncontained, tearing through the Otay Mountain Wilderness near the US-Mexico border.
The rain is expected to bring an end to a prolonged dry spell in the region.
According to the Los Angeles Times, much of the region has received less than 5% of its average rainfall since October 1, leaving most of Southern California in a state of extreme or severe drought.
While the moisture is welcome, officials stress the need for continued vigilance to the community against the new dangers it may bring.

- Siyeon Kim / Grade 11
- JungKyung High School