Two Senate Republicans have conducted another investigation into the deadly Palisade fire, adding a long list of investigations designed to determine whether local officials are ready for an emergency.
The investigation will examine whether emergency preparations are sufficient, including checking for sufficient reservoir water to deal with deadly wildfires.
Sens, Florida. RickScott and Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson announced Monday that they are leading a congressional investigation, which they say is essential to “revealing and revealing the truth” and how national and local governments respond to the fire, which broke out in the hurricane wind and quickly lost air defense resources.
“Families in this community deserve answers and accountability,” Scott and Johnson at Joint Statement.
The new investigation is the latest in a series of ongoing investigations about the beginning of the fire and how officials react. since On January 7, Palisades explodedkilling 12 people, destroying the West End community to a large extent. On that day, the Eaton fire broke out in Altadna, killing 19 people and destroying the Foothills community.
The Congressional investigation appears to be focusing only on the Palisades fire and specializes in what water resources (or unavailable) and why.
The first time report The Santa Ynez reservoir in the heart of Pacific Palisades was empty when the Palisades fire broke out, with the experience of firefighters Dry fire hydrants and water pressure issues. Officials said the 170 million gallon water storage complex has been closed for repair coverage for nearly a year.
Governor Gavin Newsom after The Times reported on the reservoir Order investigation Get into the city’s water supply system and how it might hinder fire efforts.
Time report has also been exposed Bad preparation and deployment Despite the Los Angeles Fire Department, even as city officials repeatedly warn of life-threatening wind and red flag conditions. The agency’s top brass decided not to deploy about 1,000 available firefighters and dozens of engines carrying water in order to happen before the Palisades Fire took place.
The announcement of the federal investigation comes weeks after former Florida Hurricane Governor Scott met with former reality star Spencer Pratt, visiting some areas destroyed by the Palisades fire. Pratt of the house that died in the fire demanded a congressional investigation during a meeting – this action is Scott said he will do everything he can to make sure that happens. ”
Pratt, too Prosecuting the cityIt has alleged that it has failed to maintain adequate water supply and other infrastructure.
In recent weeks, Scott has sent letters to several agencies seeking answers about how California uses federal funds for wildfire management and responses. Scott said in an August letter to the USDA that the state and the city of Los Angeles did not appear to be using the agency’s funds “wisely or appropriately”.
Response to January fires, especially in Palisades, has become a topic of polarization – and incorrect information – From national and local political leaders President Trump Against developer Rick Caruso, a former mayor contender against Los Angeles’ current mayor Karen Bass. Caruso, who owns the Palisades Village shopping mall, became a direct critic of the city’s reaction, blowing up officials as they struggled to meet water demand during the firefight.
But fire and water experts Say it repeatedly The conditions during the fire are unprecedented and no urban water supply system can be prepared.
Still, in the Palisades fire, it seems that some of them have encountered bipartisan notes. Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Monday that his team will “absolutely welcome” the comment.
“It complements the thorough investigations that have been conducted, including independent reviews from leading fire experts in the federal government, state, and the United States,” Newsom said in a statement. “From day one, we have accepted transparency because Californians deserve it.”
Los Angeles officials last month Delayed release of one of the reportsto avoid interfering with the federal investigation into the cause of the Palisade fire.
A new congressional investigation led by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee will give senators the authority to issue subpoenas and seek documents for review by the committee.
