To the editor: A key finding in the McChrystal group report is, due to the fact that the Eaton fire was completely fought at night with winds that forced all the planes to connect, the first to respond were left without a view of the fire and could not track their general movement (“'The' perfect storm 'caused failed evacuations during the deadly Eaton fire, according to the investigation,” “ September 25). This lack of aerial view seems absurd today. The Oceanic and Atmospheric National Agency has satellites that specifically monitor forest fires and help monitor their movement.
According to his websiteNOAA Satellites “Excellent in fire detection, mapping, environmental impact assessment and support for fire extinguishing efforts … the extinction of real aid fires in real time making in informed decision making.” He Risk mapping system It offers an integral vision of current fire conditions and can be publicly accessed to provide daily updates on locations and fire status.
NOAA collaborates with NASA and the United States forest service to share critical information. So why don't cities and counties collaborate anymore and get NOAA information in emergencies such as Eaton Fire?
Wendy Percer, Tarzana
