Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted the second week of January and roared across the Los Angeles area.
Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m. PST Cal Fire data marked the Palisades Fire at 68% containment and the Eaton Fire at 91% containment, listing no other active fires in Los Angeles as a red flag warning is in effect for much the region until Friday evening.
The deadly Eaton Fire in the Pasadena and Altadena areas was almost fully surrounded Monday, and fears of flooding or debris flows from weekend rains were easing as the storm system moved off to the east.
The deadly Eaton Fire in the Pasadena and Altadena areas was almost fully surrounded Monday, and fears of flooding or debris flows from weekend rains were easing as the storm system moved off to the east.
Officials closed part of Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades fire area on Sunday, Caltrans said, as rain poured down across the Los Angeles area and burn scars in Southern California were under a flood watch that will last until 4 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters have issued a flood watch Sunday for the devastated Eaton Fire area in Altadena as firefighters got the massive burn area almost fully contained at 98%, by fire lines and continued to root out hot spots.
Three active fires in Los Angeles neared full containment Sunday, as the region receives much-needed rain that has produced flood and mudslide warnings lasting through Monday. Saturday, 4:00 p.m. PST Cal Fire data marked the Palisades Fire at 87% containment, the Eaton Fire at 95% containment and the Hughes Fire at 92% containment.
Concerns about predicted rainfall this weekend following Southern California’s massive wildfires have prompted meteorologists to issue flood watches beginning Sunday. There is an up to 25% chance of thunderstorms around the region through Monday,
The Hughes Fire has now burned 8,096 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since igniting late Wednesday morning near Castaic Lake, according to Cal Fire. More than 24,00 people have been ordered to evacuate due to the Hughes Fire. Another 30,000 people are in evacuation warning zones.
The rain that is expected to hit the scorched Los Angeles landscape this weekend may bring relief to the fire fights, but it could also bring flash floods and mudslides. Although forecasts show that the risk is relatively low, local officials are taking the warnings seriously.
Rain and cooler temperatures will bring relief to Southern California this weekend, after a prolonged stretch of dry, breezy weather that allowed wildfires to thrive.
Hazardous materials investigators were called to a Pasadena park where possible vials of mercury were found Thursday, leading to an evacuation and one person being transported for treatment, authorities said.