The N.C. Forest Service is warning North Carolinians to be prepared for wildfires and take the necessary steps to help prevent any natural disasters.
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.
Exceptionally dry weather has targeted Southern California so far this winter, creating ideal conditions for wildfires.
The National Weather Service said there is a 15-25% chance of thunderstorms across the region, which could bring periods of heavy rainfall that could overwhelm the burn-scar areas.
Rainfall could cause mudslides in area burned by wildfires, with officials warning residents of toxic material from debris and ash.
San Diego's dry conditions greatly increased the risk for wildfires. “We’ve been experiencing extreme fire behavior throughout Southern California as many have seen," said Rob Johnson, public information officer for CAL Fire.
High rain over a burn scar may result in debris flows or mudslides. Follow the instructions of local officials!” the National Weather Service said.
After weekend rainfall caused mudslides in wildfire burn scar areas and snow created dangerous driving conditions, several roadways and schools remain closed across the Southern California region.
With parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.
Over 1,100 firefighters were “strategically pre-positioned” across Southern California to address "ongoing critical fire weather," Cal Fire said.
The Hughes Fire that started on Wednesday has burned through over 5,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties on Wednesday.
As the cleanup phase of recovery begins after the devastating fires in L.A. County, displaced residents grapple with new uncertainty surrounding the cost and timeline for rebuilding.