LA County officials warn of potential evacuation warnings in burn scar areas as heavy rainfall approaches

Los Angeles County officials warned residents in burn scar areas that the expected heavy rainfall may cause dangerous conditions and evacuation warnings may be issued for potential debris flows.

At a news conference Wednesday morning, Sheriff Robert Luna said the LA County Department of Public Works has identified several locations that are at an increased risk for rain damage. 

"The last couple of days, specifically in our Altadena area and our Malibu Lost Hills areas we have already been notifying what we believe, through Public Works information are the impact residences that could experience the specific mud flows and debris flows," Luna said. 

The National Weather Service warns that potential flash flooding could occur in areas near the Eaton and Palisades burn scars. A flash flood watch will go into effect Thursday morning and remain through the evening as parts of LA and Ventura counties could receive up to 3 inches of rain. Forecasters predict the heaviest rainfall will take place before midnight on Friday.

"We've been collaborating and planning with our county partners for this upcoming storm. We have additional personnel ready to assist in the affected burn areas and at our emergency operations center," Luna said. 

As crews are working to remove fire debris, the heavy rain could cause vulnerable structures and slopes to fall. LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said residents should take extra precautions and be proactive before the conditions become dangerous.

The Governor's Office said the California National Guard has 70 soldiers and heavy engineering equipment on standby in Los Alamitos for debris removal, if it's needed.  

Cal OES is also prepositioning fire resources in Los Angeles County, including 10 engines, two dozers, a helicopter with four rescue swimmers, two hand crews and a dispatcher. 

Possible evacuation warnings and orders

LA County Department of Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, who also serves as the chief engineer for the LA County Flood Control District explained after the fires were contained, crews assessed structures that would be vulnerable during rain events. That list of properties and structures was passed to the sheriff's department. 

"We've contacted every vulnerable location on the list," Pestrella said. "We've contacted every resident."

Luna said evacuation warnings would potentially go out to residents in those high-risk areas sometime Wednesday. He said as the rain develops and intensifies, those warnings could be increased to orders. 

As predicted, those orders were issued later Wednesday. A map of areas impacted by evacuation orders and warnings can be viewed on the Los Angeles Fire Department website. 

They advised that people living directly near the Palisades Fire, Sunset Fire and Hurst Fire should be on high alert to due high risks of mudslide and debris flows. 

Luna said if mud and debris begin to block streets and roadways, emergency crews may have difficulty reaching residents who decide to stay in their homes even when orders and warnings are issued. 

He urged residents to be ready and stay attentive to all alerts issued by officials. 

Preparation to catch debris flow 

Pestrella said going into this next weather event, the Flood Control District was not comfortable with the current level of debris in the Eaton Wash Dam. To prepare, crews removed 150,000 cubic yards to a location designated to receive those materials. 

He clarified that the debris was not fire-related but was from slopes including vegetation. 

Pestrella said given those recent actions he is confident the dams and basins are prepared to receive debris from the new storm. 

In addition to debris removal, they have also installed systems to help divert debris from properties and into the streets. He said K-rails and sandbags have been placed in an effort to prevent dangerous debris from entering waterways. 

Although barriers and K-rails may restrict street access for residents, the priority of the LA County Department of Public Works is the safety of residents and the environment, Pestrella said.