New Threat in California: Toxic Ash Floods

The rain area that is moving in over fire-ravaged California is easing the burden for exhausted firefighters – but is also bringing new challenges. Toxic ash from the fires can spread with the heavy rain, authorities are now warning.

» Published:

New Threat in California: Toxic Ash Floods
Photo: Damian Dovarganes/AP/TT

Share this article

Most of California is expected to receive small amounts of scattered rain over several days, but there is a risk of heavy downpours in some areas.

The problem would be if one of the showers happens to hit a fire area, says meteorologist Carol Smith, warning that it could create floods that bring along debris and hazardous ash.

Dangerous Soup

Authorities are warning that the ash consists of a toxic mixture of burned-out cars, electronics, batteries, building materials, paint, furniture, and other household items. It may also contain pesticides, asbestos, plastic, and lead. All residents have been advised to wear protective gear when cleaning up after the fires.

The rain, which arrived on Saturday evening local time, may continue until Tuesday. Earlier in the week, a frantic effort has been underway to clean up as much as possible in the fire-stricken areas, and in Los Angeles County, flood barriers have been put in place and sandbags have been filled.

Brings Relief

And despite the rain, which is a welcome relief for the rescue services that have been fighting the flames for weeks, fires are still burning in southern California. The large fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton in Los Angeles, in which 28 people have died, were 81 and 95 percent extinguished, respectively. However, fires are also burning in the northern part of the Los Angeles region and in the San Diego area.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

1,200 Civilians Affected by Cluster Bombs in Ukraine Since 2022

1,200 Civilians Affected by Cluster Bombs in Ukraine Since 2022

Turkey's Key Political Trial Delayed Until October 24

Turkey's Key Political Trial Delayed Until October 24

320,000 Palestinians Evacuate Gaza City Amid Israeli Military Warnings

320,000 Palestinians Evacuate Gaza City Amid Israeli Military Warnings

Trump's Unique Second State Visit to UK: Royal Welcome Planned

Trump's Unique Second State Visit to UK: Royal Welcome Planned

Starlink Outage Impacts Ukraine's Defense Operations

Starlink Outage Impacts Ukraine's Defense Operations

Australia Faces Major Climate Change Impacts Over Next 25 Years

Australia Faces Major Climate Change Impacts Over Next 25 Years

EU Faces Backlash Over Trade Deal with Trump Amid Criticism

EU Faces Backlash Over Trade Deal with Trump Amid Criticism

Island Residents in Equatorial Guinea Face Year-Long Internet Shutdown

Island Residents in Equatorial Guinea Face Year-Long Internet Shutdown

Trump Urges Israel to Be Cautious After Qatar Attack

Trump Urges Israel to Be Cautious After Qatar Attack

Far-Right Gains Momentum in German Local Elections

Far-Right Gains Momentum in German Local Elections

Lula Defends Bolsonaro Verdict as Upholding Democracy, Not a Witch Hunt

Lula Defends Bolsonaro Verdict as Upholding Democracy, Not a Witch Hunt

Over 100,000 Join Pro-Palestinian Protest in Madrid, Disrupting Cycling Event

Over 100,000 Join Pro-Palestinian Protest in Madrid, Disrupting Cycling Event

Massive Ankara Protest Backs Turkish Opposition Amid Court Case

Massive Ankara Protest Backs Turkish Opposition Amid Court Case

Romania Summons Russian Ambassador Over Drone Airspace Violation

Romania Summons Russian Ambassador Over Drone Airspace Violation

Kirk Murder Suspect Tyler Robinson Not Cooperating with Authorities

Kirk Murder Suspect Tyler Robinson Not Cooperating with Authorities

Qatar Calls for Punishment of Israel After Attack in Doha

Qatar Calls for Punishment of Israel After Attack in Doha

Starmer Condemns Violence and Racism After London Protest

Starmer Condemns Violence and Racism After London Protest

Russian Fishing Vessel Rescued After Power Failure in Danish Waters

Russian Fishing Vessel Rescued After Power Failure in Danish Waters

Ukraine Linked to Russian Train Sabotage Causing Fatalities and Disruptions

Ukraine Linked to Russian Train Sabotage Causing Fatalities and Disruptions

Gaza Residents Flee Amid Escalating Conflict and Overcrowded Camps

Gaza Residents Flee Amid Escalating Conflict and Overcrowded Camps