Southern California anticipates further hazardous winds on Wednesday, with potential rainfall at the weekend offering relief from wildfire threats. However, even minimal precipitation could pose risks of toxic ash runoff. Whilst some residents return to the affected Pacific Palisades and Altadena regions, firefighters maintain control over minor outbreaks.
Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts and mitigate environmental impacts, while a small number of residents were allowed to return to devastated areas.
The National Weather Service‘s Los Angeles office predicts a 60% to 80% likelihood of light rainfall across Southern California from Saturday, with most areas receiving less than a third of an inch (0.8 cm), according to meteorologist Ryan Kittell. Los Angeles County supervisors approved an emergency motion to install flood control infrastructure and remove sediment in fire-impacted areas.
“This is to prevent additional damage to areas already ravaged by fire and also to protect our watershed, beaches and ocean from toxic runoff,” Bass said during a news conference, as quoted by the Associated Press.
Winds eased somewhat Tuesday afternoon but gusty conditions are expected to return, with red flag warnings extended through Thursday in LA and Ventura counties. Firefighters remain vigilant for hot spots and new fires, as evacuation orders were lifted for some small blazes.
Southern California Edison preemptively shut off power to over 60,000 customers to prevent new fires and is considering precautionary shutoffs for an additional 160,000. Authorities urged residents to review evacuation plans, prepare emergency kits, and report fires quickly.
Bass also warned about the potential for winds to carry ash and advised Angelenos to learn how to protect themselves from toxic air during the latest Santa Ana wind event.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, which have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures since Jan. 7, continue to be battled by firefighters. Containment reached 63% for the Palisades Fire and 89% for the Eaton Fire.
Several lawsuits have been filed by people who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire, alleging Southern California Edison equipment sparked the blaze. A judge ordered the utility to produce data from circuits in the area where the fire started.
President Donald Trump, who criticized the response to the wildfires during his inaugural address Monday, has said he will travel to Los Angeles on Friday.
