LA Fire Chief given teen volunteers to clear brush, despite years of warning unaccountable leaders

The devastating fires in Los Angeles are revealing just how deeply ill-prepared the city was for a disaster of such magnitude.

While nobody can ever be fully prepared for the destructive power of a natural disaster, it’s clear that the leadership in LA leaves much to be desired. A new report reveals that Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who is currently under fire for the lackluster fire response, had voiced concerns about the need for two crews dedicated to clearing brush and other fire hazards. At the time the only available team was a group of part-time volunteers, most of whom were teens, according to The Washington Post.

“The one significant area of weakness in our arsenal is that of a regularly staffed wildland hand crew,” she wrote in January 2023.

“The wildland hand crew is the make-or-break resource in ensuring fire lines are strong and secure,” the fire chief continued. “Without this resource methodically creating and supporting [a] fire line on a wildland fire, weakness in the line can mean the [difference] in containment or out of control spread.”

“The LAFD will need to expand staffing to meet the demands of a new normal, year-long fire season and a rapidly decreasing availability of mutual aid/auto aid Hand Crews Statewide,” she said, pointing out the part-time volunteer crew just doesn’t have the time or man-power to do what needs to be done to protect Californians.

She asked for $7 million to establish the crews, with nearly $4 million in salaries and the rest going to a fleet of rugged vehicles that could handle the terrain.

Her pleas for funding fell on deaf ears, however, and the City Council only approved a fraction of the requested amount, while hiring was hindered by red tape.

Residents affected by the blazes have begun suing the government for the missteps that have resulted in the fires raging out of control, reducing thousands of acres to little more than cinders and ash. Unfortunately, the litigation route will be long and arduous so the people of Los Angeles will likely have to rely on the ballot box to enact meaningful change in their leadership. This means Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who was in Africa as the fires began, may be the target of a recall effort.

“It’s a political disaster and may result in Bass being recalled,” said LA-based attorney Neama Rahmani who is representing a number of clients suing the government. “But there is nothing that can be done legally.”

She warned, however, that many city leaders are likely immune to civil litigation due to a state law protecting authorities from liability.

“Government entities have broad immunity under the Government Code and can’t be sued for failing to prevent fires,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “The lawsuits against the City and DWP will be dismissed.”

Sierra Marlee

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