CSAC Bulletin Article

Flood after Fire—Preventing Debris Flows

January 23, 2025 Catherine Freeman Ryan Morimune Amber Rossow Michaela Stone

January 23, 2025

Past fires have unfortunately taught us to be wary of rain over burn scars. Rain is anticipated in the next several days over areas burned by the Los Angeles Fires. Several state and federal agencies have teamed up to map steep drainage basins recently burned by wildfires in order to prevent post-wildfire flood disasters. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides debris-flow hazard assessments after wildfires in order to support state and local emergency teams coordinating on-the-ground actions. At the state level, Cal-OES has assumed coordination responsibilities through the Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force along with existing programs at CalFIRE and Department of Conservation, through their Watershed Emergency Response teams. In coordination with state and federal partners, LA County leads teams working to protect communities with similar programs mobilizing geologists, watershed experts, and engineers to direct on-the-ground work to protect downstream communities.

On January 20^th, the Governor issued Executive Order N-13-25 which streamlines and suspends regulatory barriers to rapidly remove debris and install protective barriers to protect communities where rain may trigger landslides and debris flows. This includes removal of sediment and vegetation in and around streams and runoff channels.

The teams are complemented by pre-positioning state flood resources including 10 flood fight material stockpiles. Over 400 members of the California Conservation Corps are being deployed to place silt fencing, straw wattles, and compost socks to act as physical barriers for watershed protection in the burn scars. California National Guard members are also joining the effort with heavy machinery to assist with removing material in the local debris basins.

Coordinating with FEMA, Rental and Transitional Sheltering Assistance

FEMA has provided guidance about what happens after you apply with FEMA for assistance. For more information on the next steps when applying for FEMA, go here. In addition to a FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, FEMA will be onsite at two Disaster Recovery Centers in Los Angeles County. Locations are:

UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Pasadena City College Community Education Center
3035 East Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Wildfire survivors in Los Angeles County affected by the wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, who received initial funding for Displacement Assistance, but still have a housing need, should reach out to FEMA. Displacement Assistance helps survivors who can’t return to their home following a disaster by giving them up-front money to help with immediate housing needs. Survivors may be eligible for additional rental assistance for short-term housing. To learn more about available rental assistance available through FEMA, go here.

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Available for Los Angeles County Residence FEMA and the state of California are working to ensure that displaced survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires have access to safe, accessible temporary shelter. Reimbursement for out-of-pocket hotel costs, financial assistance towards rent and home repair and FEMA-provided temporary hotel or motel stays are currently being provided to eligible households. To learn more about the transitional sheltering assistance, go here.

Legislative Actions

State Legislators are acting swiftly to introduce legislation and allocate funding toward the recovery of the LA Fires. Last week, a delegation of Assembly Members announced a package of bills aimed at fast-tracking recovery which includes bills like AB 239 (Harabedian), which would form a state led disaster housing task force and AB 265 (Caloza) which would create a small business recovery fund.

The special session convened in November was expanded to include requests expediting funding . This week, state legislators held budgetary hearings on budget measures appropriating General Fund dollars for firestorm response.

Additional Information and Resources

Get emergency alerts: Sign up for local alerts to know if you need to evacuate – go to ca.gov/LAFires
Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance: