Palisades Fire: $2M home spared by flames splits in 2 amid mudslide
LOS ANGELES - While firefighters continue to make progress against the vicious Palisades Fire, the tedious rebuilding process has begun for thousands of families in the Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities, as well as the additional thousands devastated by the Eaton Fire about 40 miles east in Altadena.
The Palisades Fire erupted on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 7. The fast-moving blaze was fueled by ferocious Santa Ana winds that have been the most powerful winds recorded in the area within a decade.
As winds eased in Los Angeles County, a new problem has emerged in the area. On Thursday morning, FOX 11 was at the scene as a home that survived the flames was split into two by a landslide.
Along with debris, the oceanfront property was surrounded by mud. Also, FOX 11 reporter Stephanie Ramirez said she observed running water nearby.
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Online data indicates the 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home sold a few years ago for close to $2 million and rented for $14,000 a month.

A picture of a $2 million Pacific Palisades home before it was destroyed by a mudslide.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) warns of the danger of mudslides and landslides after wildfires because the fires destroy vegetation that would otherwise secure the soil. Also, the water used in the firefight adds to the recipe for disaster, and the land becomes destabilized.
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Along with destroyed and damaged properties and businesses, the largest fires that sparked in LA County last week have been deadly. Officials said eight people have been killed by the Palisades fire, while 16 have lost their lives in the Eaton Fire.
Potential for landslides and mudslides explained
Mark Pestrella, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, said it’s been a joint effort between the county, LA City and the LA County Flood Control to assess watershed areas, which includes geology, soils and weather conditions.
"The Palisades is suffering right now," he said.
Pastrella went onto explain,"What we call dry gravel, which is the slopes that are over steep and have been really dried out. And you will see this raveling of the slopes and, what looks like a landslide and it is a landslide. Debris into the streets and into properties. Some of this material is supporting some of the structures that have like remained behind. There has been inundation to some extent of water into the system."
He added during firefighting efforts, gas and water lines were destroyed.
Cutting off water in the fire zones
Pastrella also explained why water was shut off for some located in the Palisades Fire zones.
"We did that for two reasons. One is because we wanted to maintain a water pressure in the system, and not lose it to properties, but also in anticipation that it could grease the will of landslides. one of the other areas that residents may be noticing is the Topanga of the lower Topanga area. We're having a significant amount of this dry gravel condition in that area as well. We're working in consultation in side by side with Caltrans to maintain those slopes so that we can continue to have access into the area."
‘We want people to be very careful’
Even though it isn’t raining and LA County has been dry for months, debris flow hazards continue to be an issue at this time.
"So, [as] a warning to all the residents, no matter where you live in LA County, if you have slopes, behind your homes, or if you're located on top of a slope, these slopes have become fragile. The soil that is supporting your home has become fragile and damaged due to the events that we've had, and wind included. There are mud and debris," he said.