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Facing growing questions over chaotic evacuations, Los Angeles County leaders say they want to build a database of residents with disabilities who need help evacuating burning areas.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone told county supervisors during a public meeting Tuesday that the ongoing wildfires have prompted the need for “a database to track people with mobility issues and health issues.” He said it was highlighted.
“Trying to do that in an emergency is very difficult,” he said.
The assessment comes as the county faces new scrutiny over the chaotic evacuation of Altadena, where most of the fire deaths occurred since Jan. 7. At least eight of the 27 fire victims so far were over 80 years old, some over the age of 80. They were disabled and had difficulty evacuating.
For example, Anthony Mitchell Sr., an amputee in his 60s, died while waiting to be rescued in his Altadena home with his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy.
Mitchell’s other son, Anthony Mitchell Jr., told the Times he wanted to know exactly who residents had special needs, adding that authorities “should prioritize these addresses.” ”
Marrone said first responders moved about 500 people to safety after the fire broke out. Some were unable to leave on their own. Maybe others have too, but I waited too long.
“We’ve heard too many stories of people who didn’t evacuate while evacuation orders were in place, and firefighters and sheriff’s deputies had to evacuate those people,” Marrone said. “People must protect themselves.”
Supervisor Holly Mitchell warned that the region is unprepared for the future, with wildfires regularly ravaging the county and the people who call it home rapidly aging.
“We’re looking at an aging society. People want to age at home,” Mitchell said. “As a community, we are not ready.”
Fecia Davenport, the county’s chief executive officer, said she plans to return to the board with more information about the potential database.
Supervisor Katherine Berger, who represents Altadena, said she plans to ask for a review of the county’s evacuation policy and emergency alert notification system. On Tuesday, she asked for the name of the consultant who would lead such a review. Her request came after the Times reported that evacuation orders were not issued for parts of Altadena until hours after the Eaton Fire broke out.
The plan was part of a series of fire-related discussions and motions Tuesday about how the county can step up recovery efforts. Supervisors will also temporarily prohibit landlords in unincorporated areas of the county from evicting tenants who have evacuees or their pets living with them in violation of their rental agreements, and They also voted to end some restrictions on short-term rentals to create more affordable housing.
“Now is the time for all Angelenos to come together and do our part to help victims,” said Superintendent Lindsey Horvath.
The board also agreed to send a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Trump asking for help defraying the massive costs of the recovery effort.
“We continue to keep the gas pedal open to maximize every resource available to us from the state and federal governments,” said Kevin McGowan, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said she is not concerned about state aid, but is wary of what the county can expect from the new Trump administration.
“I’m concerned that the potential strings that we’re hearing are related to this disaster relief,” Hahn said, adding that politicians are worried about the county’s “empty reservoirs and empty fire hydrants.” He pointed out that he had seen a talk show that blew up.
“I heard some pretty pointed language that we might not get funding unless certain things change,” Hahn said.
Berger, the board’s only Republican, countered that he “looks forward to working with this administration” and that the county intends to prove to the White House “that our demands are legitimate.” said.
Former President Biden had promised to cover all disaster relief costs for the next six months, but local politicians said it was unclear whether that aid would continue under the Trump administration. The president, along with other Republicans, has criticized California’s liberal leaders for their response to the wildfires. President Trump accused Newsom of holding water on Truth Social, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said federal relief funding could be cut because of state leadership. hinted.
“If Gavin Newsom and local leaders made decisions that made this disaster exponentially worse, as they seem to have done, then should there be any consequences?” Johnson said. asked reporters last week.
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