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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - With rain possibly arriving this weekend, Mayor Karen Bass issued an emergency order Tuesday to shore up burn areas and prevent hazardous runoff in areas affected by the recent wildfires.
The order mobilizes City Public Works crews to clear and remove vegetation, shore up hillsides, reinforce roads and clear debris from neighborhoods and areas that were burned. According to the National Weather Service, rains could hit the region as early as Saturday.
"With rain in the forecast, it's imperative we take aggressive action to prevent additional damage in burn areas and to protect our water and ocean from hazardous runoff," Bass said in a statement.
Crews are expected to install reinforced concrete barriers, lay down sandbags and clear debris, according to the mayor.
"These communities have already endured unimaginable loss -- we are taking action against further harm," Bass said.
The orders will be implemented in coordination with Los Angeles County and state agencies. Bass is expected to inspect the progress made by city crews Monday afternoon, her office said.
The mayor previously issued an executive order to streamline rebuilding efforts for homes and businesses affected by the fires, a move that aligns with a similar directive issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom's order suspended certain permitting and environmental review requirements to expedite recovery efforts under the California Environmental Quality Act and California Coastal Act.
Both initiatives aim to support recovery in areas such as Pacific Palisades, where residents are working to rebuild their homes and restore their communities.