Southern California is bracing for an impending storm that poses a significant risk to burn scar areas, prompting heightened alertness in affected communities. Along Lake Avenue in Altadena, cement barriers, also known as K-rails, have been set up to mitigate the risks of mud and debris flow, a common concern when heavy rain follows wildfires.
Residents and business owners are actively preparing for the storm by using sandbags to protect their properties from potential flooding. Lynn Bealer, owner of Malibu Bungalow, expressed the urgency behind these preparations, reflecting on the aftermath of the last major storm on February 13, which resulted in severe flooding at her nursery. “We’re all trying to work together here to get these sandbags going because we’re going to be needing them very soon,” Bealer stated. She emphasized the importance of blocking potential floodwaters from entering critical areas of her business.
Duke’s, a business along the Pacific Coast Highway, successfully survived the Palisades Fire in January but faced significant challenges in the following month due to mud flows, leaving repairs still in progress. With the upcoming storm, they are particularly concerned about further setbacks, underscoring the ongoing struggles faced by those living in burn scar regions.
As residents remain united in their efforts to safeguard homes and businesses, there is a collective hope that the preparations will mitigate the storm’s impact. Local vigilance and resourcefulness could play a crucial role in protecting these communities from additional damage.