Cleanups are ongoing throughout Southern California in the aftermath of several devastating fires that swept the area in January.
An almost complete damage assessment for the two major fires was released last week, revealing that the flame torched about 47,900 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 16,250 structures.
That destruction brings about debris that must be removed – much of it.
The fire, speaking at a press conference Wednesday morning, produced around 4.5 million tonnes of waste, according to LA County Director of Public Works Mark Pestralla.
“The level of destruction in this range of damage is beyond what we’ve seen before in LA County, up to our infrastructure,” Pestrella said.
All of that tile ble and the land on which it is located are not safe for the crew either. Pestrella noted that materials such as asbestos, lead and mercury, along with other legacy contaminants, are obstacles.
Once fire evacuees return to the community, authorities warn residents of the dangers caused by debris and ashes from the wildfire. Lolita Lopez is reporting an NBC4 News report on January 31, 2025 at 4pm.
“We’re doing a deeper assessment and learning more and more about how much damage has been done in these areas,” he said.
Along with other city leaders, the Plaguera are turning their attention to a twin storm that threatens even more destruction.
“The rain is not as intense as our north neighbors are now,” said NBC4 meteorologist Melissa Maggie, but it would pose an extra challenge to clean up the area.
The rain is late tonight, crossing Southland on the northern night and Tuesday night. The expected rainfall is as follows. The highest amount is expected in the northwest #Slocounty. The likelihood of flowing, mud and debris is still low. #Larain #Cawx pic.twitter.com/adzy1t5c6u
-NWS Los Angeles (@nwslosangeles) February 3, 2025
“The situation is unstable and there is a high risk for people,” Pestrella said. “We have natural slopes and artificial slopes, and we are very unstable now and we may be failing even when it doesn’t rain.”
Crews closed the Pacific Coast Highway Tuesday afternoon after temporarily reopening Monday in preparation for the storm.
Heavy rainfall is expected to arrive overnight on Wednesday morning. The Pacific Coast Highway is expected to reopen on Friday in two days.
“When I try to mitigate the risks of this very large public works project, I just want the patience and understanding of the community,” Pestrella says.
