Los Angeles, California – Residents living near recent burn scars in Los Angeles have just hours to prepare for possible evacuations as heavy rain threatens to trigger fast-moving debris flows beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, an Evacuation Warning is in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Tuesday for multiple burn scar zones due to the risk of debris flows. Impacted areas include Palisades Fire burn scar zones LFD-1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096, 1097 and 0891; the Hurst Fire burn scar zone LFD-0001-B; and the Sunset Fire burn scar zone LFD-0835.
Debris flows can move quickly downhill with little warning, carrying mud, rocks and vegetation into neighborhoods, blocking roads and damaging homes. Even moderate rainfall can trigger slides in areas where vegetation has been stripped by wildfire.
Residents in the warning zones should pack go-bags now, move vehicles away from low-lying streets, and be ready to leave immediately if conditions worsen or if an evacuation order is issued. Those living below steep hillsides or near canyon roads face the highest risk.
Officials urge residents to monitor real-time alerts at LAFD.org/alerts and avoid driving through flooded or debris-covered roadways overnight.
The evacuation warning remains in place through 9 a.m. Tuesday, and further alerts could be issued if rainfall intensifies.
