Dangers include tainted water, toxic debris, and the threat of landslides. Meanwhile, high winds make a comeback.
Officials on Jan. 20 allowed more Southern California residents to return home to neighborhoods destroyed or damaged by recent catastrophic wildfires, but many face hazards including contaminated water, toxic debris, and landslides.
The two major wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton fires, that started on Jan. 7 are still burning. Fire crews have the upper hand on both this week despite the arrival of more Santa Ana winds and red-flag fire danger weather warnings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Management (Cal Fire).
As residents begin to repopulate the areas, Los Angeles County has issued warnings about hazardous windblown dust and ash, and toxic debris.
On Jan. 19, the county’s health department issued a dust and ash advisory in anticipation of another round of strong Santa Ana winds expected to affect the area starting Jan. 21.
“Windblown dust and ash contain small particles that may cause irritation or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions,” the department wrote in a statement.
Health officials are encouraging the public to stay inside, keep windows and doors closed, wear masks, and protect their eyes.
The county health officer also issued an order on Jan. 15 warning the public about the debris and ash left by the fires, especially in the areas of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and the fires near Sylmar, between Ventura and Los Angeles counties, and around Soledad Canyon Road, West Hills, and Big Tujunga Creek. The first two fires have burned a total of nearly 40,000 acres, or 63 square miles. Of the last four fires, the fire near West Hills is the largest at about 1,000 acres, or 1.6 square miles.
Cleanup and removal of any debris must be approved and comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, according to the health order.
