Victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires, which resulted in 31 deaths and the destruction of 16,000 structures, are grappling with revelations of fire department missteps. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, these errors contributed significantly to the devastation.
In the Eaton fire, firefighters urged a broader evacuation as the blaze spread on January 7, but orders were delayed by three hours in West Altadena. This delay resulted in 18 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes. Zaire Calvin, a resident who lost his sister and home, expressed frustration over the breakdown, saying, “It’s another slap in the face.”
In the Palisades fire, texts revealed that firefighters warned a battalion chief about a smoldering brush fire on New Year’s Day. Despite this, they were ordered to leave, and the fire reignited five days later, killing 12 people and displacing thousands. Jewlz Fahn, who lost her home, criticized the Los Angeles Fire Department for not using thermal imaging technology to detect underground embers.
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger acknowledged a “gap” in evacuation alerts, while L.A. Mayor Karen Bass ordered an investigation into the fire department’s actions. However, former deputy mayor Austin Beutner, who is running for mayor, called for an independent commission to investigate, citing a failure of leadership.
The fires have sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with community groups demanding a full investigation by the state attorney general.
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