Los Angeles wildfire areas prepare for rain, potential mudslides this weekend
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is urging crews to "shore up" burn areas ahead of possible rain this weekend.
"We have to prepare for a potential change in weather," said Bass. "I’m issuing an executive order to shore up burn areas and stop the flow of toxic debris."
At least two homes in the Pacific Palisades have already been damaged by landslides, likely related to busted pipes from the fire.
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Officials say they’re preparing now for rain and possibly mudslides.
"We already have barriers proactively in place," said LAFD Captain Erik Scott. "Other barriers are being put up throughout other areas of concern as we speak."
Utility workers have been seen constantly across the Palisades burn area this last week, fixing gas and power lines. This, while some residents return home for the first time.
"This was the entrance right here," said Barry Patamore. "It’s shocking. We have been here for 35 years. We loved this place. It has great views."
Patamore’s home in the Highlands was destroyed by the Palisades Fire. He says they’re now working on moving to another area.
"We had this expansive view of the water and the mountains, which we enjoyed every day," said Patamore. "So we’ve got to be thankful for what we had."
So many homes and businesses across the Palisades were destroyed by the fire.
Now, more than two weeks after the blaze started, firefighters continue walking across the area looking for hot spots.
"Especially with the red flag day today, [we’re] making sure nothing rekindles and we have a repeat incident," said Chris Poston, a firefighter from Killeen, Texas.