As rain approaches California, it may offer relief to areas ravaged by recent wildfires, but it also brings the risk of new dangers. Heavy downpours on hillsides scorched by fires could result in toxic ash runoff, according to a report from the Associated Press (AP). Some of the affected areas are still battling active blazes.
In Los Angeles County, crews have spent the past week working to mitigate potential hazards. Efforts include clearing vegetation, stabilizing slopes, and reinforcing roads in neighborhoods devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. These fires, fueled by powerful winds on January 7, destroyed entire communities, leaving behind rubble and ash.
The National Weather Service has predicted that most of the region will receive about an inch of rain over the next several days. However, forecasters warned that localized cloudbursts could lead to dangerous mud and debris flows on the weakened hillsides. In a social media statement, they urged communities to prepare for the “worst-case scenario” despite the seemingly moderate rainfall predictions.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, balancing the hope for relief with caution over the potential for further destruction. Residents in affected areas are being urged to stay alert and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and families.
Earlier this week, American Faith reported Los Angeles is grappling with the toxic aftermath of wildfires that devastated areas including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, destroying over 15,000 structures and releasing dangerous pollutants into the air. Scientists report that the burning of homes, cars, and infrastructure has produced hazardous levels of toxins, including lead and chlorine.
According to the New York Times, airborne lead levels reached 100 times the average, even miles from the fire sites, while chlorine levels spiked to 40 times their usual concentration. These chemicals are byproducts of melted plastics, burned paint, and other urban materials, underscoring the unique hazards of urban wildfires.
“These fires are no longer just about burning trees and grass,” said Haroula Baliaka, a Ph.D. candidate in atmospheric chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. “They are urban wildfires, fueled by the very materials that make up our homes and cities.”
Lead, a neurotoxin, poses significant risks to the developing brains of children, while chlorine and similar chemicals can damage the lungs. Researchers warn of long-term health consequences, drawing comparisons to the 2018 Camp Fire, which may have caused up to 12,000 premature deaths due to toxic smoke exposure.
