After Heavy Rains, Debris Flows Hit Southern California Community Scarred by Fire

SIERRA MADRE, Calif.—Residents of a Southern California mountain community near the Eaton Fire burn scar dug out of roads submerged in sludge Friday after the strongest storm of the year swept through the area, unleashing debris flows and muddy messes in several neighborhoods recently torched by wildfires.

Dry weather returned to the region but the risk of rock and mudslides on wildfire-scarred hillsides continued Friday since dangerous slides can strike even after rain stops, particularly in scorched areas where vegetation that helps keep soil anchored has burned away.