
Dylan Stableford
Southern California finally received some much-needed rain this week after weeks of historically dry, windy weather fueled this month's deadly wildfire outbreak — but with it came the threat of landslides, mudslides and toxic ash runoff in burn areas.
According to the National Weather Service, more than an inch of rain fell in parts of Los Angeles over a three-day span, triggering flash flood watches and warnings. Some debris flows were reported along the Pacific Coast Highway, and snow in the surrounding mountains briefly shut down Interstate 5.
But the wet weather was also a boon to firefighters who continue to battle four active wildfires that have scorched more than 57,000 acres. The three biggest — the Palisades, Eaton and Hughes fires — are each more than 95% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Border 2 Fire, which erupted in the Otay Mountain Wilderness area east of Chula Vista late last week, is now 90% contained.
Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Monday reiterating that people who are rebuilding their homes are not subject to environmental permit requirements laid out in the California Coastal Act.
“As the state helps the Los Angeles area rebuild and recover, we will continue to remove barriers and red tape that stand in the way," Newsom said.
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