LOS ANGELES — Rainfall swept across wildfire-ravaged regions of Southern California this weekend, offering firefighters a reprieve after weeks of battling blazes. But officials are now sounding the alarm over cascading risks: mudslides, toxic ash runoff, and hazardous debris threatening communities already reeling from the disasters.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch Sunday for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, including burn scars left by the Palisade, Eaton, and Hughes Fires. Forecasters warned of thunderstorms capable of unleashing "brief heavy downpours" and gusty winds through Monday afternoon, with up to 3 inches of rain expected in mountainous areas.

"High rain over a burn scar may result in debris flows or mudslides. Follow the instructions of local officials!" the NWS Los Angeles office urged on social media. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) echoed the warning, advising residents near fire zones to stay alert, prepare evacuation plans, and avoid driving through flood-prone roads.

Toxic Aftermath Threatens Communities

The storms risk washing toxic ash and debris from incinerated homes, vehicles, and vegetation into waterways and neighborhoods. Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer emphasized the danger last week, noting that wildfire ash can contain heavy metals like lead and arsenic, which pose serious health risks even with brief exposure.

In response, crews from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local agencies have mobilized to clear hazardous materials from burn zones. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an emergency order last week mandating reinforced barriers, sandbags, and debris removal to shield vulnerable areas. "It’s imperative we take aggressive action to protect our water and ocean from hazardous runoff," Bass said.

Residents Urged to Take Precautions

Officials urged returning residents to wear N95 masks, gloves, and goggles when handling ash-laden debris. "Do not attempt to remove hazardous materials on your own," cautioned Cal Fire spokesperson Capt. Thomas Fuller. Air quality monitors also remain active, with health experts advising vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure during cleanup.

Progress on Fire Containment

Firefighters reported steady gains Sunday, with the Palisade Fire 87% contained, the Eaton Fire 95% contained, and the Hughes Fire—which erupted Wednesday—92% contained. Yet the battle is far from over: Over 14,000 personnel remain deployed statewide, with damage assessments ongoing across charred neighborhoods.

As families sift through remnants of homes like the scorched ruins of Altadena Golf Course, officials stress that recovery will hinge on balancing relief with resilience. "Nature’s giving us a break from flames," said Ventura County Emergency Manager Laura Cortez, "but now we’ve got to outsmart the mud."