What The News Doesn’t Show You About The Los Angeles Fires

I don’t talk about this part of my life beyond rare, vague comments, because this part involves not publicly discussing much of what I deal with. However, after seeing up close and actually being involved with the effort (in a very, very small way) that’s currently ongoing regarding fighting the fires, public safety and in general taking care of the victims, I believe a few comments are in order.

Much of the criticism directed at the CA Governor, Mayor Bass, the Fire Dept and LADWP is highly unwarranted. The cause of the devastation was beyond the ability of anyone currently in office to prevent. No politician currently in office can control the winds nor were they in office to enact sound, sensible zoning policy literally decades ago. An easier case can be made against greedy land developers over the decades who fought against being told where they could build, or decisions made concerning holding off improving infrastructure due to cost. Now add climate change to the mix and the chickens are coming home to roost.

With regards to fighting the fires, the city has to take preventative measures such as issuing evacuation orders and closing the parks. The first order of business is the preservation of life. If you’ve experienced traffic on a normal day in Los Angeles, you can understand why City officials would rather err on the side of caution in order to get people to safety in an orderly manner. Waiting until the last possible minute to pack and leave is only going to result in a bigger mess and possible loss of life.

I have been to areas of Los Angeles where it wouldn’t take much to replicate the Pacific Palisades tragedy, and they usually are public parks situated in heavily populated areas. Making matters more dangerous are the roads in these areas, which were never built for the traffic they are currently experiencing, especially the roads located near the HOLLYWOOD sign. Come to this area any given weekend and one will experience nothing short of a 3-ring circus, including a total disregard of people living in this area.

I’ve also not only had a chance to witness government workers going about their business making sure people are safe and taken care of, I’ve also seen first hand how the government interacts with outside agencies such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross, to name but a couple. A lot of parks and rec centers have had to close down because the city needs locations to house those evacuees who don’t have family or friends in the area to take them in.

I’ve seen City rec center gyms full of cots with blankets, pillows and people’s possessions provided by the Red Cross along with food being served up by the Salvation Army to the people staying there. I’ve also seen a corner in the hallway with bowls of water and food for the pets the owners have brought with them. The only relief the kids get are being able to play on the fields behind the rec centers.

As for the city workers themselves, they’re a beehive of activity, reacting to the latest information and changes of condition, making certain facilities are open and prepared to take people in while making certain personnel and equipment are dispatched to deal with the latest emergency while still trying to address the situations still needing attention. Many of these people are working 12 hour shifts and eating at their desks if they’re not in the field.

Already, the disaster has had a devastating impact beyond the immediate destruction and it will continue to grow. As my better half pointed out while watching the news, the area where the files have burned down homes are now hazardous waste sites. One cannot simply clean up these areas without proper equipment and haz-mat suits. The real estate market, already a ridiculous proposition here in Los Angeles, does not have 12,000 homes for rent or sale in desirable areas people can immediately move in to, which explains sellers and renters seeing bidding wars break out for the housing that is available.

And the biggest fights haven’t even gotten started. As Los Angeles was preparing to welcome the 2028 Olympics, they now have to figure out a severe housing shortage in the meantime.

Because of its size, most Angelenos are experiencing the disaster on their televisions. Only the affected areas will smell the smoke or see the glow of the blaze. The majority will not witness the people being cared for.

Despite the scenes of devatation, Los Angeles will get through this. It’s still one of the best cities to live in, and the proof is seeing people helping people get through this.