Faced with growing questions about the evacuation, LA County’s top officials say they want to create a database of disabled residents who need help escaping the blaze.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told county officials at a public meeting Tuesday that the ongoing wildfires underscore the need for “a database to track people with mobility challenges or health challenges.”
“Trying to do it during an emergency is very difficult,” he said.
The inspection comes as the district looks on new processing over chaotic evacuations in Altadena, the site of the majority of fire-related deaths since Jan. 7. At least eight of the 27 fire victims so far were at least 80 years old, and some had disabilities that hindered their efforts to get out.
Anthony Mitchell Sr., a 60-year-old amputee, for example, He died at his home in Altadena along with his son Justinwho had cerebral palsy, as they await release.
Mitchell’s other son, Anthony Mitchell Jr., told The Times he wanted to see better accounting for residents with special needs, saying officials should “put those addresses down as a priority.”
Marrone said first responders moved about 500 people to safety after the fire broke out. Others could not go on their own. Some may be, but they wait too long.
“I’ve heard too many stories of people who didn’t leave during the evacuation, and our firefighters and our sheriff’s deputies had to get those people out,” Marrone said. “People must protect themselves.”
Supervisor Holly Mitchell warned the district that it is not ready for a future where the district is often burned by wildfires, and the people who call it home they gray quickly.
“We’re looking at the aging of our community — people who want to age in their own homes,” Mitchell said. “As a society, we are not prepared.”
Fesia Davenport, the district’s chief executive officer, said she plans to return to the board with more information about a potential site.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena, said she plans to request a review of the district’s evacuation policies and emergency notification system. On Tuesday, he asked for the names of experts to lead the review. His request comes after the Times reported that parts of Altadena did not receive evacuation orders until hours after the Eaton fire began.
The plans were part of fire-related discussions Tuesday about how the county can step up recovery efforts. The management also voted for a while bar homeowners in unincorporated parts of the county from evicting tenants who have strangers – or pets – living with them for violating their leases and imposing certain restrictions on short-term rentals to stock up on available housing.
“This is a time for all Angelenos to come together, stand up and do their part to help the victims,” ​​said Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
The board also agreed to send a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Trump are asking for help to support a major recovery bill.
“We’re continuing to pump the gas to maximize all the resources we can get from the state and federal governments,” said Kevin McGowan, head of the county’s Office of Emergency Management.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said that, while she was not interested in the state’s support, she is aware of what the district can expect from the new Trump administration.
“I’m concerned that the potential wires that we’ve been hearing might be connected to this disaster relief,” Hahn said, noting that he’s watched talk shows where politicians are blasting “empty dams and empty water pipes.”
“We’ve heard specific words suggesting that, if certain things don’t change, we may not get the money,” said Hahn.
Barger, the lone Republican on the board, said he is “looking forward to working with this administration” and plans to prove to the White House that the district is “worthy of what we are asking for.”
Former President Biden had promised to cover all disaster relief costs for the next half year, but local politicians say it is unclear whether that support will continue under Trump. The president, like other Republicans, criticized California’s liberal leaders for their handling of the wildfires. Trump accused Newsom on Truth Social of hoarding water and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). he pointed out that the federal relief funding may be cut due to government leadership.
“If Gavin Newsom and local leaders made decisions that made this tragedy worse — which it appears they were — should there be consequences for that?” Johnson asked reporters last week.
Source link
