Concerns grow as L.A. Fire Department’s delayed response to the Palisades Fire raises questions about preparedness and resource allocation
When the fire started around 10:30 a.m., only 19 fire engines were ready to go. But here’s the kicker: it’s not clear how many actually made it to the first neighborhood that caught fire. For hours, CBS News crews were on the scene and didn’t see any firefighters around.
LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley mentioned they’d get back with numbers, but she initially pointed fingers at budget cuts for the lack of resources. Turns out, about 1,000 firefighters weren’t called in right away. Some were just finishing their shifts, while others were busy with non-fire emergencies.
It took a whopping eight hours before they finally sent out a call for off-duty personnel to come in. They even asked CBS News to help spread the word. Both Crowley and L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the fierce Santa Ana winds really threw them for a loop.
The wildfires have wreaked havoc, burning over 60 square miles, taking at least 25 lives, and destroying more than 12,000 structures. It’s pretty wild to see a house standing tall while everything around it is charred.
Marrone pointed out that this kind of devastation might become the norm with climate change. He stressed that the real work starts long before the flames show up, and we need to be held accountable for our actions. It’s a tough situation, and folks are looking for answers.
