LAGUNA BEACH : Winds Contribute to Hillside Erosion
Federal officials said Sunday that strong winds generated by a weekend storm are contributing to erosion on the fire-ravaged hillsides around Laguna Beach by blowing the loose ash and dirt.
In a statement issued Sunday, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service said it is “encouraging homeowners to lightly and gently water any bare areas around their homes to hold the soil and ash in place.”
The statement also warned that “too much water could result in soil movement, causing more harm than good.”
The soil conservation officials also said matting or erosion control blankets would help prevent erosion from both wind and water.
The stage was set for erosion problems when a devastating and fast-moving grass fire moved into Laguna Beach nearly three weeks ago, destroying 366 homes and causing more than $400 million in damages.
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