To the editor: Although extreme fire warnings preceding the Palisades and Eaton fires extended from Santa Barbara to San Diego and included Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the only large-scale loss of life and property occurred in the Los Angeles area . (“Los Angeles firefighters could have put engines in Palisades before the fire broke out. They didn't,” January 14)
Given this stark reality, and to minimize the possibility of further large-scale tragedies, an independent commission of experts must be formed immediately to investigate the following:
- Were the winds in Los Angeles so much stronger and punishing that comparison with results in other counties was meaningless?
- Was Los Angeles County more vulnerable than other areas due to factors such as unique topography, poorer brush and land management, and homeless encampments near flammable areas?
- Were first responders hampered more in Los Angeles than elsewhere by understaffing, poor or unavailable equipment, insufficient water, and poor advance planning?
Given the troubling facts that have already emerged, getting to the bottom of questions like these should be considered critical and not dismissed as an accusation.
Russ Swartz, Hills of Granada
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To the editor: I pause reading the latest dispatches of smoldering embers. I'm having a hard time formulating a coherent answer.
Words have failed me.
Wordless.
Speechless.
Frederick Miller, Los Angeles
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To the editor: If Los Angeles area elected and appointed officials were corporate employees, they would be fired.
My son's house in Altadena was destroyed by fire. There was no warning, no fire apparatus in sight, and he was lucky to escape the flames before. He has lost everything along with many others. Some paid the ultimate price and were consumed by hell.
We knew this was coming. The Santa Ana winds and rainless winter should have been a clue for city and county officials to prepare for the worst.
It is time for a change of leadership at all levels. We are hurt and fed up.
Kevin Collopy, Mission Viejo
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To the editor: I spent more than 60 years in a hurricane zone. Disasters have phases:
- Panic.
- Look for the culprits.
- Punishment for the innocent.
- Praise and honors for non-participants.
- Promises to solve the causes.
- New priorities.
- Repeat.
Parrish Hirasaki, Culver City
