Supervisor Kathryn Barger today released the following statement in response to the Citygate Associates investigation report examining evacuation decisions made during the Eaton Fire:
“Today’s release of Los Angeles County Fire Department’s independent investigation reflects the importance of thoroughly examining the decisions, communications, and emergency conditions surrounding the Eaton Fire response.
The residents of Altadena and surrounding communities experienced immense fear and loss during this devastating event. Many continue to have difficult and deeply personal questions about evacuation timing and emergency notifications. Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously and carefully reviewed.
This independent investigation found that Unified Command did not engage in misconduct or intentionally delay evacuation decisions affecting areas west of Lake Avenue. The report also provides important new information about evolving field communications. At the same time, this investigation should not be interpreted as dismissing the experiences of residents. Public trust requires both accountability and a willingness to learn from every aspect of a disaster response.
I remain committed to continued transparency and ongoing improvements to evacuation coordination, emergency communications, and wildfire preparedness. Our collective responsibility now is to ensure Los Angeles County is better prepared for the future.”