Crews in Southern California are racing against time to prepare for potential flooding and mudslides in areas recently ravaged by wildfires. National Guardsmen and Los Angeles County Public Works teams are digging trenches and creating giant ditches to hold water while much of the region remains under a flood watch through Monday afternoon.
“Those waters come right into the communities that were devastated by these tragic fires,” said Anthony Marrone, the chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department
Over the past 16 days, firefighters have battled 10 wildfires, with the Palisades and Eaton fires being the most destructive. Burning over 40,000 acres combined, the fires have left the soil incapable of absorbing water, increasing the likelihood of severe flooding and mudslides. For many residents, the danger is far from over. Even homes that were spared by the flames now face the threat of flooding, creating new challenges for homeowners and insurers. As crews work tirelessly to mitigate the risks, communities brace for the dual impact of fire and water damage in the weeks ahead.