A congressional investigation is being launched into the Palisades Fire.
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s (HSGAC) Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Ron Johnson announced a congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades Fire that ravaged the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles, California, and took the lives of 12 people.
The September 8, press release noted “The investigation will examine the failures surrounding the preparation for and response to this disaster which allowed unacceptable loss of life and the destruction of more than 6,800 structures, including thousands of homes.
“Chairman Scott and Chairman Johnson believe the Palisades Fire was more than just a horrific tragedy, it was an unacceptable failure of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Families in this community deserve answers and accountability. As members of the HSGAC’s PSI, they are launching a congressional investigation today to uncover and expose the truth.
“Over the years, billions upon billions of federal taxpayer dollars have been directed to California to support fire management and disaster mitigation efforts. Yet, on the day of the Palisades Fire, reservoirs were empty, fire hydrants went dry, and innocent people, including many vulnerable seniors, perished while thousands more lost their homes, businesses, and everything they owned.
“While nothing can undo the damage done by the Palisades fire, they are committed to advocating for the victims, their families, and this community to get answers and make sure this never happens anywhere in our great country ever again.”
Eight months after the fire, an after-action report still had not been released.
Would Scott and Johnson launch this investigation if they thought the ATF report was going to praise Newsom/Bass/Padilla/Schiff/cast of thousands? Probably not. Would it make sense for them to launch this effort knowing 1) the ATF report will be released soon and 2) the ATF might find fault with city/county/state efforts? Could be. However, what then? Newsom/Schiff/Padilla/etc will just say 1) vote for Prop 50 and 2) the fire was caused by climate change/an unforeseen act of god/just one of those things, you know?
I’m all for an investigation, but not by two MAGA Senators who are clearly under Trump’s thumb and have little interest in benefitting the people of California. This smells.
I agree this was gross incompetence by our political leaders, especially the mayor of LA as well as the fire department and water department. They are culpable for our losses and I am glad there is an investigation to determine why.
How does the public help give information over to this investigation?
I continue to be saddened by our losses and the loss of our beloved Palisades. Thank you for the pieces of news.
Michael,
Then why aren’t two Democratic Senators leaing an investigation? I personally don’t care if a dog leads it, as long as it happens and doesn’t get forgotten.
Sue
Sue,
Rick Scott is a Senator from Florida (need I say more?) and Ron Johnson is a Senator from Wisconsin who rejects the scientific consensus on climate change. Nothing relevant will come out of an investigation led by these two.
Michael,
Try not to judge a book by the cover, and instead judge on actions. Like I said, I’m happy to have a dog lead the investigation if something comes out of it.
Sue
That’s a BIG “IF” Sue in your response to Michael. How about advocating for more support of USACOE or even FEMA and more general support for fire suppression as in increasing the front line fire fighters and related infra-structure. Can we focus on advocating for solutions rather than casting blames?