Rainfall in Southern California fighting wildfires raises concerns about mudslides

Rain began falling in parts of Southern California on Friday, raising concerns about mudslides in areas where recent fire scars were created as wildfire fighting continued.

The chance of thunderstorms in the forecast could bring heavy rain and hail. If heavy rain occurs and an isolated thunderstorm develops over a burn scar area, mud and debris could fall down the hillside.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department stated in a post on X: “Due to recent fires and the low but possible frequency of hail and thunderstorms, there is a potential for small, isolated debris and mudslides to occur in the fire areas, from which the fire site could recover in less than two years.”

Places at potential risk include Mt. Baldy, Wrightwood, Big Pines, Agua Dulce and Santa Maria.

The Department of Public Works will monitor these communities until the threat has passed.

This comes as firefighters in Southern California continue to work to contain three massive wildfires.

The Bridge, Line and Airport fires are the three largest active wildfires in the state. Together, they have burned more than 47,700 acres and destroyed at least 234 structures, but firefighters have made good progress in battling the flames in cooler temperatures.

Containment of the Bridge Fire increased to 59% on Friday after evacuation orders for the Mount Baldy and Wrightwood areas were downgraded to a warning. The blaze destroyed about 73 structures.

The airport fire has destroyed 160 buildings in Riverside and Orange counties. Containment of the fire rose to 51% on Friday.

As of Friday morning, the Line Fire was 53% contained. While it is the least destructive of the three fires, it has burned more than 39,000 acres of land in San Bernardino County.

In the meantime, information centers will be opened for homeowners and businesses affected by this month's wildfires:

• Friday, September 20th from 10am to 8pm at the LA County Fairplex – 1101 W. Mckinley Avenue, Expo Hall 8, Pomona CA 91766

• Saturday, September 21st from 10am to 8pm at The Way World Outreach, Hallmark Campus – 4680 Hallmark Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407

• Monday, September 23rd from 10am to 8pm at The Way World Outreach, Hallmark Campus – 4680 Hallmark Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407