Urgency Builds to Remove Eaton, Palisades Fire Debris, Mindful of Tragic Debris Flows, Flooding
Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to fast-track the removal of debris from the scarred areas of the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have consumed nearly 40,000 acres and destroyed or damaged 12,000 structures. The fires have left behind a trail of blackened debris, prompting concerns about hazardous materials and other debris from the burned properties, and the impact if winter storms bring rainfall to the areas.
Removing the debris generated by these devastating fires, with thousands of destroyed or damaged structures located in disparate parts of Los Angeles County, presents a monumental challenge. If not dealt with quickly, it could result in damaging debris flows, mudslides, and flash floods that could harm surrounding communities.
As the weather patterns could impact the burn scars, there is a concern with it, said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. With these fires and burn scars, water essentially just runs over the top of it. It can’t be saturated. It runs over the top of the land without any impediment with it, and can carry anything in its way with it.
In recent years, the Thomas fire devastated Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in December 2017. Post-fire mudslides caused by winter storms in January 2018 led to major damage, claiming 23 more lives and displacing tens of thousands of residents in Montecito and nearby communities.
Newsom’s executive order called for the Office of Emergency Services to coordinate a plan with Los Angeles County, FEMA, and the cities of L.A., Malibu, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and other potentially impacted cities to put debris removal on the fast track. The plan would include contracting with firms to remove the debris.
Other state entities, including the Geological Survey, the Conservation Corps, Cal Fire, and Fish and Wildlife, have also been deployed to come up with plans to reduce the risk of floods and debris flow. The response will include advance federal and state emergency teams over the next week or two to evaluate the soil and identify potential areas where flood risks exist and what to do about it.
The evaluation includes rainfall thresholds used by the National Weather Service when issuing flood warnings. If the thresholds are exceeded, those areas are at risk for flash floods and debris flows, said Jayme Laber, senior hydrologist for the National Weather Service’s L.A./Oxnard office.
Laber said the fire can create a "hydrophobic" condition in the scorched soil, making it difficult for water to penetrate the soil and causing it to run off the surface, carrying debris with it. It’s essential to remove debris, including sediment, trees, foliage, and rubble from homes, so it doesn’t "bulk up" and so the debris basins in local foothills can retain their capacity to capture sediments.
Conclusion:
As the situation remains tenuous, it is crucial to prioritize the removal of debris, which could potentially lead to devastating consequences if not addressed promptly. The fast-tracking of debris removal efforts is a necessary step in mitigating the risks of debris flows, mudslides, and flash floods.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the urgency behind the removal of debris from the Palisades and Eaton fires?
A: The removal of debris is crucial to prevent devastating consequences, including damaging debris flows, mudslides, and flash floods, which could harm surrounding communities.
Q: What is the plan for debris removal?
A: The Office of Emergency Services will coordinate a plan with Los Angeles County, FEMA, and the cities of L.A., Malibu, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and other potentially impacted cities to put debris removal on the fast track. The plan will include contracting with firms to remove the debris.
Q: What are the concerns about the weather patterns impacting the burn scars?
A: There is a concern that the weather patterns could exacerbate the situation, leading to flash floods and debris flows. The National Weather Service is monitoring the situation closely to issue flood warnings and provide updates on the potential risks.
