In anticipation of incoming wet weather, California Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized specialized debris flow teams to safeguard Los Angeles communities, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires.
The deployment includes positioning over 5,650 super sacks and hundreds of personnel to protect vulnerable burn scar areas from potential mudslides and flooding. This proactive measure comes as weather forecasts predict rainfall in the region.
The governor's office has activated multiple state agencies, including the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), CAL FIRE, and the Department of Conservation. Twelve geologists have been dispatched to assess mudslide and debris flow risks through site visits and advanced detection methods.
The Department of Water Resources has deployed 30 watershed experts and engineers to oversee protective measures for downstream communities. The state has also positioned flood-fighting materials across Southern California, including 271,000 burlap sandbags, 777 plastic sheeting rolls, and 17,790 wood stakes.
More than 400 California Conservation Corps members will work on watershed protection, installing silt fencing, straw wattles, and compost socks to filter contaminated rainwater runoff. The California National Guard has deployed 80 service members with heavy equipment to manage debris basins.
This preventive action follows the tragic 2018 Montecito mudslides, where 23 people lost their lives after debris flows from the Thomas Fire burn scar area. Burn scars are particularly susceptible to heavy rainfall, as the absence of vegetation can lead to sudden and dangerous debris flows.
Governor Newsom has also issued an executive order to expedite debris removal, strengthen flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. The coordinated effort aims to protect both communities and natural resources as the region transitions from fire response to storm preparedness.