GM!
π Just returned to Luxembourg from Los Angeles. Amid my jetlagged haze, I reflect on the gut-wrenching destruction caused by the wildfires.
π₯ As I traveled the 405 to LAX, the apocalyptic scene of the smoke-filled LA skyline and plumes from the Palisades and Eaton fires was unforgettable. The fire truck on a nearly empty 405 was very eerie.
π The toll:
β’ 12,000+ structures destroyed, ~200,000 people evacuated.
β’ >30,000 individuals lost homes or livelihoods, with many businesses also reduced to ashes.
π The causes:
β’ In 2022, 87% of wildfires were human-caused (nifc.gov). This year appears no different.
β’ πππππ ππππ ππππ: Likely caused by embers from the Lachman Fire, started by illegal fireworks on New Yearβs Day.
β’ πΈππ‘ππ ππππ: Possibly sparked by a downed power line.
π¨ Exacerbating factors:
The main factors in both fires are extreme Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions. Yet there are other human factors, too.
β’ The 117M-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir was empty for months due to sanitary conditions. Hydrants went dry after exhausting 3M gallons in the Palisades tanks. The last two winters (2022 and 2023) brought above-average rainfall. Its emptiness reflects a missed opportunity to prepare for fire season.
β’ Budget cuts likely hindered fire preparedness:
β’ Mayor Bass cut LA Fireβs budget by ~$20M.
β’ Gov. Newsom reduced CalFireβs funding by $100M.
β’ This may have impacted brush clearance inspections and mitigation efforts.
π Responsibility:
The blame lies not with climate change or diversity programs as some on social media are saying. It lies with humansβcriminal, negligent, and incompetent.
β’ Illegal fireworks are criminal acts.
β’ Power lines are built in vulnerable ways.
β’ Property owners neglected fire preparedness.
β’ Budget decisions resulted in reduced preparedness on public land and exacerbated response challenges.
π‘ Lessons to learn:
β’ πΉπππ ππ€ππππππ π : Bring campaigns like Smoky Bear back to the mainstream to educate the public on fire risks and prevention.
β’ π
ππ πππ£πππ ππππππππππ‘: Policy should prioritize keeping fire-related reservoirs full, even if offline as potable sources.
β’ πΌπππππ£π π‘βπ ππππ: Power lines should be improved and buried or otherwise made safe for all weather conditions.
β’ π΄ππππ’ππ‘ππππππ‘π¦: Let investigators do their job. Those responsible for criminal acts should be prosecuted. Negligent officials must be replaced by competent civil servants.
π My heart goes out to all those affected. Letβs focus on recovery and ensure this disaster spurs meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.
π Share if you agree: Itβs time to prioritize fire preparedness, awareness, and accountability.
π₯ "Only you can prevent wildfires." (Smoky Bear: https://smokeybear.com/)
Christmas!
