The same storm system driving severe weather elsewhere in the country this week is fueling one of the most widespread and potent rounds of rain in Southern California since the historic January fires.

A massive storm is currently battering Southern California, presenting the risk of flooding, debris flows and mudslides, especially near the sites of January’s deadly and highly destructive wildfires which took the lives of at least 29 people and destroyed or damaged more than 18,

A Lakewood, a Paramount and a Texas resident face charges for allegedly filing false claims with two illegally receiving wildfire-disaster funds designed for those who lost homes and other property in the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires in January, federal authorities said on Wednesday, March 12.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally told reporters three individuals are charged with allegedly making false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.