The Palisades fire destroyed thousands of structures along the coast. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

As Southern California grapples with the most destructive fires in recent history, Los Angeles leaders are preparing for possible rain in the forecast on Saturday, Jan. 25, and Sunday, Jan. 26.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 50% chance of rain in Los Angeles on Saturday, and rain is likely on Sunday. While rain would put an end to a record-breaking dry spell that began in May 2024, it could also create dangerous conditions in burn areas, such as mudslides that may carry toxic pollutants from burned debris.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Jan. 21 issued an emergency executive order to prevent mudslides in burn areas.

“With rain in the forecast, it’s imperative we take aggressive action to prevent additional damage in burn areas and to protect our water and ocean from hazardous runoff,” Bass said. “I’m directing city crews to swiftly install reinforced concrete barriers, lay down sandbags and clear debris to shore up burn areas and stem the flow of toxins. These communities have already endured unimaginable loss – we are taking action against further harm.”

The mayor’s action followed a similar executive order by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Jan. 20 that mobilizes state resources to remove debris from fire areas and create defenses against potential mudslides. The order suspends certain environmental regulations for 90 days, allowing a more expedited cleanup process ahead of anticipated rain.

“Even before we saw rain on the horizon in Los Angeles, I directed my departments and agencies to act fast to protect neighborhoods from potentially hazardous debris flows,” Newsom said. “By stationing resources and staff in key locations, we can help make a difference as we transition from fire response to storm preparedness.”

Although rain will dampen areas susceptible to fires over the weekend, a red flag warning remains in place through at least Thursday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to the National Weather Service. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, the Hughes fire broke out in the Castaic area in the Santa Clarita Valley, prompting evacuation orders as it grew.

On Jan. 21, Bass, alongside Councilwoman Traci Park, 11th District, former White House Infrastructure Coordinator and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the newly-appointed chief recovery officer Steve Soboroff surveyed the damage in the Pacific Palisades.

“The people of America stand shoulder to shoulder with Los Angeles,” Landrieu said. “Mayor Bass and her team are laser focused not only on the immediate response, but also on the long road ahead to recovery and rebuilding. Together, we’ll ensure the city emerges stronger than ever.”

Landrieu was mayor of New Orleans between 2010-18, a period that included extensive recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Bass said that Landrieu will be playing a “key role” in the Palisades efforts, acting as an adviser on disaster recovery.

As of press time on Jan. 22, the Palisades fire burned 23,448 acres and was 68% contained, according to CalFire. The Palisades fire has destroyed entire neighborhoods, leaving blocks that once contained homes and businesses unrecognizable. At least 6,662 structures have been destroyed. Eleven people have died as a result of the Palisades fire.

The Eaton fire burned 14,021 acres and was 91% contained, according to CalFire. Similar to the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire has leveled entire communities in Altadena, destroying at least 9,418 structures. Seventeen people have died in the Eaton fire.

The fires have affected school communities across Los Angeles. At least a dozen schools were damaged or destroyed in the firestorm, including Palisades Charter High School – which recently asked the Los Angeles community for help in finding a place to hold classes. The school began holding classes via Zoom on Jan. 21.

According to PCHS Principal Dr. Pamela Magee, the school is evaluating several options for a return to in-person classes, based on where students are currently located. The school’s director of operations Rafael Negroe said in a board meeting on Jan. 21 that the school has “several meetings this week” with partners that may provide temporary facilities.

The school has created a relief fund to raise money for its recovery. To donate to Palisades Charter High School’s recovery efforts, visit givebutter.com/raisepali.

Similarly, the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation on Jan. 17 established emergency relief funds for schools affected by the fires. The fund will deliver financial support to impacted families, ensure learning continues without interruption and provide mental health services to affected students.

“These wildfires have destroyed schools, displaced families and communities, and disrupted the learning of countless young Angelenos. The LAUSD Education Foundation Emergency Relief Funds are a commitment to help our Los Angeles Unified family recover and rebuild their futures,” LAUSD Superintendent and LAUSD Education Foundation Board Member Alberto Carvalho said. “The foundation will work alongside the district to understand and match the needs of the community with the generosity of countless individuals, philanthropies and corporations.”

To donate, visit lausdedfoundation.org.

Relief efforts have raised substantial funding for organizations around Los Angeles. On Jan. 12, real estate developer and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso announced a $5 million donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. He encouraged others to donate, with the goal of raising $20 million for the foundation. On Jan. 22, Caruso and the foundation announced they reached their goal.

“Today, we celebrate an achievement that reflects the extraordinary generosity and resilience of our city – we have reached our $20 million goal for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Every day these heroes risk their lives to keep us safe, and these funds will ensure they have needed equipment to protect the lives of our residents,” Caruso said. “This moment proves that when we come together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. Los Angeles is stronger when we stand united, and this is a shining example of the spirit that defines our city. I encourage us all to continue to embody this generosity and commitment as we rebuild and prepare for a safer, stronger future.”

Liz Lin, president of the Los Angeles Angeles Fire Department Foundation, expressed the foundation’s thanks in a statement.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support from our community,” Lin said. “Thanks to Tina and Rick Caruso and their generosity, as well as the contributions of so many compassionate Angelenos, we have raised an unprecedented $20 million in just one week. These critical funds will go directly toward equipping our brave firefighters with the essential tools and resources they need to combat the ongoing crisis facing our region.”

To donate, visit supportlafd.kindful.com.

Crews are removing hazardous debris in fire impacted areas ahead of potential rain this weekend. (photo by Tabor Brewster)