Both the Palisades and Eaton fires, that ravaged Southern California, are fully contained as of February 1^st. The next phase in the process is to begin the massive cleanup, which includes the toxic waste that stems from such a devastation all the while families are looking for places that can put a roof over their heads.  One of the hiccups that is being exposed is the fact that the electric car push is a hazard to those in the white hazardous suits rummaging through all the debris as the fear is that the lithium batteries could re-ignite and cause an explosion[1] that carries consequences.

Figure 1 | Next Phase – California Fires and Weather

While the cleanup is underway, Mother Nature has changed her tune now that January 2025 is in the books and the month of February is upon us.  The first weekend associated with the new month has a weather pattern known as an atmospheric river system, where massive amounts of precipitation make landfall in the form or rain at the lower elevations and snowpack in the mid to upper levels.  The focal point is mostly associated to the northern part of the state as the jet stream points to the Sierra Mountains and areas in/around the Bay area.  Southern California is going to get some much needed precipitation starting on Tuesday but that will increase the risk of mudslides and toxic waste moving off the charred areas and into the water system (when it rains, it pours).

[1] Los Angeles fire cleanup complicated by 'unprecedented' number of EVs with combustible lithium-ion batteries