LOS ANGELES — With heavy rain expected to bring a high risk of mudslides and debris flows, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has issued evacuation warnings and mandatory evacuation orders for certain homes in areas recently burned by wildfires.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings Issued for Burn-Scarred Areas
The evacuation warnings are in effect from 7 a.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Friday for areas affected by the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst Fires.
- Mandatory evacuations will be ordered for homes at extreme risk, with Los Angeles Police Department officers notifying affected residents.
- Evacuation warnings have also been issued for Altadena and Sierra Madre near the Eaton Fire burn scar.
- Sierra Madre’s evacuation warning will become a mandatory order at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Areas Under Evacuation Warnings and Orders
Palisades Fire:
- Getty Villa area
- Bienveneda area near Temescal Canyon Park
- Reseda Boulevard/Marinette Road area near Will Rogers State Park
- Mandeville Canyon above Tanners Road
- Highlands near the burned areas
Sunset Fire:
- East and south of Runyon Canyon
Hurst Fire:
- Olive Lane in Oakridge Mobile Home Park
Eaton Fire Burn Scar:
- Evacuation warnings for Altadena and Sierra Madre
- Sierra Madre will be under mandatory evacuation orders starting Thursday at 7 a.m.
Why Are Burn Scars Dangerous in Heavy Rain?
According to the California Office of Emergency Services, burn scars are especially vulnerable to flooding and mudslides because:
- After a wildfire, the topsoil becomes water-resistant, preventing rain from absorbing into the ground.
- This can cause rapid runoff, triggering debris flows that carry mud, rocks, and vegetation downhill, threatening homes and roads.
National Weather Service Warning:
“Heavy rain over burn scars could trigger life-threatening and damaging flooding and debris flows.”
Emergency Preparations Underway
LAFD and emergency crews have deployed:
- 7,500 feet of concrete barriers
- 6,500 sandbags to help stop mud and debris near roads and homes
🌧 Other Southern California counties, including Riverside and Orange, are also taking precautions.
Historical Context: The Deadly 2018 Montecito Mudslides
Authorities remain on high alert, recalling the 2018 Montecito disaster, where:
- 23 people died in Santa Barbara County when heavy rain triggered massive mudslides.
- The storm hit an area burned by the Thomas Fire, which had scorched 280,000 acres just weeks earlier.
- The disaster sent huge boulders and debris crashing into homes and roads.
What Residents Need to Know
- Check local emergency updates for real-time evacuation orders.
- Find sandbag distribution locations to protect your home.
- Call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergency evacuation information.
- Be ready to evacuate quickly if conditions worsen.
Stay Informed & Stay Safe
For emergency resources and evacuation updates, visit LAFD’s official website.
