NewsEarthAnother danger looms after the LA fires: Devastating debris flowsCharred soil and roots prime the region for these torrents of mud and rock Soils burned by the Los Angeles wildfires have become more prone to landslides, such as the minor slide that split this house in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, as well as fast-moving torrents of rock, mud and water called debris flows.FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty ImagesBy Nikk Ogasa20 seconds agoThe Los Angeles wildfires were still burning when scientists started scouting the freshly charred burn scars to search for signs of another danger thats yet to come roaring torrents of rock and mud and water that can sweep downhill with deadly momentum.Triggered by intense bouts of rainfall, these debris flows as well as flash floods become more likely to occur after an intense wildfire has scorched an areas slopes and vegetation. While flash floods can be devastating, debris flows surge with even greater ferocity. At least half of their volume is sediment, and its mixed with burned trees, cars and boulders.