Recent wildfires have created “burn scars” in Southern California, making the area more susceptible to mudslides.

Much of the vegetation that previously held the soil together in Los Angeles has been destroyed by wildfires, leading to “burn scars” – these are areas of land that have been scorched and are often found in hilly terrains.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has alerted the community that mudslides can occur suddenly, potentially resulting in severe destruction, including the displacement of individuals, vehicles, and buildings.

Areas affected by fires are at a higher risk for mudslides

Over the past weekend, the National Weather Service in California issued alerts for regions prone to heavy rains, which may trigger hazardous conditions for mudslides.

Understanding mudslides

Due to the recent wildfires, certain parts of Southern California are at an increased risk for mudslides, as well as mudflows and landslides. When wildfires occur, they generate ash and debris from the burning of trees and other materials, which can lead to slippery ground conditions.

A specific type of landslide called a mudslide happens when mud rapidly descends hillsides, typically following heavy rainfall. The key difference lies in the makeup of the materials: mudslides are formed from fine silt and saturated soil, while landslides may contain a mix of earth and heavier debris, as noted by the California Department of Education.

Different types of landslides

Landslides can be categorized based on their movement patterns – including slides, flows, spreads, topples, or falls – and the materials involved, such as rock, debris, or soil. It’s also possible for a single landslide event to exhibit several types of movement.

CONTRIBUTING Christopher Cann and John Bacon and Michael Loria, YSL News and Reuters

SOURCE NOAA, National Weather Service, California Geological Survey, California Geological Survey and Britannica.com